Professional Practice in Paramedic, Emergency and Urgent Care

Description

Professional Practice in Paramedic, Emergency and Urgent Care explores a range of contemporary relevant topics fundamental to professional practice. Written for both pre- and post-registration paramedic students, it is also ideal for existing practitioners looking to develop their CPD skills as well as nursing and other health professionals working in emergency and urgent care settings. Each chapter includes examples, practical exercises and clinical scenarios, helping the reader relate theory to practice and develop critical thinking skills Covers not only acute patient management but also a range of additional topics to provide a holistic approach to out-of-hospital care Completion of the material in the book can be used as evidence in professional portfolios as required by the Health and Care Professions Council Professional Practice in Paramedic, Emergency and Urgent Care is a comprehensive, theoretical underpinning to professional practice at all levels of paramedic and out-of-hospital care. Professional Practice in Paramedic, Emergency and Urgent Care Contents List of Contributors Introduction Acknowledgements 1 History Taking Introduction Obtaining the information Identifying the data The presenting complaint History of presenting complaint Onset Provocative/palliative Quality Region/radiation Severity Timing Mechanism of injury Red flags Past medical history Previous illnesses and surgery Drug history Allergies Family history Social history Smoking Alcohol and recreational drugs Mental health history Sexual health Review of systems Summary References 2 Consultation and Communication Skills Introduction Consultation/communication skills in a diagnostic context Aims of the consultation Consultation/communication skills Verbal communication Pace Pitch of voice Tone of voice Fluency of speech Non-verbal communication Body language Facial expressions Assertiveness Communication breakdown and barriers Educational standard, level of healthcare knowledge and use of jargon Language barriers and cultural or ethical differences Age Cognitive limitations Stress related to clinical status Power imbalance Imbalance of power Other barriers to communication Communication/consultation models Transactional analysis model Pendleton et al seven task model Neighbour’s five checkpoint model Calgary-Cambridge model Summary References 3 Clinical Decision Making Introduction A brief introduction to decision making theories Decision-making theories Decision-making models Intuitive framework – heuristics approach Intuition Pattern recognition Analytical frameworks – rationalist approach The hypothetico-deductive framework Hypothetico-deductive method Cognitive continuum framework Further decision-making methods Naturalistic decision making Group decision making Tools to support clinical decision making Clinical guidelines Protocols Algorithms Decision trees Decision matrix The Bayesian approach Clinical decision-making skills Uncertainty within critical decision making How do you measure the uncertainty? Factors affecting your decision making Summary References 4 Evidence Based Practice Introduction Historical background of evidence based practice What is evidence based practice? Why do we need to use evidence based practice? The process and skills required when undertaking evidence based practice Stage 1: Formulate and clarify the question to be asked Stage 2: Identify potential evidence sources Stage 3: Finding the evidence Stage 4: Critically appraise the evidence Stage 5: Apply the evidence in practice Stage 6: Evaluate the effect and generate further questions Professional standards in relation to evidence based practice Conclusion References 5 Reflection and Reflective Practice Introduction What is reflection? Reflection on action Reflection in action Group reflection Action learning Problem based learning Clinical supervision Reflective writing and models of reflection Gibbs’ reflective model Johns’ reflective model Aesthetics Driscoll’s reflective model What? Returning to the situation So what? Understanding the context Now what? Modifying future outcomes Summary References 6 Professional and Legal Issues Introduction Registration and professional standards Accountability Duty of care Clinical negligence What is clinical negligence? Patient autonomy Consent to treatment Informed consent Consent for children Confidentiality Confidentiality for minors Mental health and mental capacity Mental Capacity Act Ethical theories Consequentialism Utilitarianism Deontology Do not attempt resuscitation Summary References Case Law Table of Statutes 7 Anti-discriminatory Practice Introduction Definitions and theory of anti-discriminatory practice Ethical and legal basis of anti-discriminatory practice Definitions of discrimination and oppression Discrimination Negative discrimination Positive discrimination Direct and indirect discrimination Prejudice Oppression Equality and diversity Factors associated with equality Poly-discrimination Promoting equality Cultural competence/cultural awareness Education Summary References Table of Statutes 8 Medicines Management Introduction to medicines management Introduction to the Medicines Act Prescribing, supplying and administering drugs Categorisation of drugs Non-medical prescribing POMs exemptions Amendments to the medicines act Patient group directions Training for PGDs Grey areas in medicines management Controlled drugs Classification of controlled drugs Safety and security of controlled drugs in practice The Accountable Officer Joint Royal Colleges Liaison Committee Professional accountability in medicines management Continuous professional development Sources of drug information Summary References Websites 9 Continuing Professional Development and Portfolio Development Introduction Continuous professional development What is a professional portfolio? Starting your portfolio Self-assessment against professional development SWOT analysis Goal setting and action plan Specific – Clear objectives that identify What, Why and How Measurable Achievable Relevant or realistic goals Timely goals Organising your portfolio Summary References Index