Research team:
Why is this study important?
Ambulance service staff working in an urgent and emergency care setting is an under-researched group at a disproportionately high risk of poorer work-related mental health, well-being and engagement. They experience a uniquely challenging and high level of chronic job-related stressors. Many of the risk factors are linked to the social and organisational aspects of the work environment, including job design. In addition, recent research has identified a desire among paramedics for more and better quality feedback on the cases assigned to them.
This study explores the work-related determinants of engagement and wellbeing among ambulance service staff, and the impact on patient safety. It will also assess the capability of existing feedback systems and the potential for feedback to enhance staff wellbeing and safety outcomes.
Study overview:
Phase 1 study (2018-19): an exploratory interview study with mobile and call centre ambulance service staff. The findings will provide a basis for developing interventions, including but not limited to feedback interventions, for enhancing paramedic wellbeing, engagement and patient safety.
Phase 2 study (2019-2022): Mrs Caitlin Wison will use her PSTRC funded PhD Studentship to build on Phase 1 by exploring the experiences and needs of paramedics for feedback on clinical cases. She will use this evidence to design and test feedback intervention(s) to inform future policy and practice for this staff group.
