Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
First Supervisor
Julie Ann Pooley
Second Supervisor
Brennen Mills
Third Supervisor
Erin Smith
Abstract
This research explores the nexus between the paramedic duty and community expectations during a pandemic, aiming to understand the community’s perceptions of the duty and professional obligations of the paramedics that serve them, to better inform the delivery of ambulance services in a pandemic. As the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the perceptions and motivations of community members in terms of their health-seeking behaviour is paramount for ensuring effective healthcare delivery. This study investigates the evolving nature of community perception of paramedic duty and professional obligations in a pandemic.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this research is to understand community member perceptions of paramedic duty and professional obligation during pandemics. In doing so, it aims to explore the acceptable limitations of the professional obligations borne by paramedics, and the dynamic shifts in these perceptions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The significance of this research lies in its potential to drive a patient-centred approach to ambulance service pandemic planning, contributing to the effective service delivery and demand management during pandemics.
METHODOLOGY
Semi-structured focus groups and interviews were conducted across Victoria, Australia to capture community perspectives on paramedic duty and professional obligation in a pandemic. The research spans three distinct phases — immediately prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, eight months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. This allows for an in-depth analysis of how community perceptions of paramedic duty and professional obligations evolved during the pandemic. A constructivist approach to Grounded Theory and a thematic analysis were utilised to understand the patterns and associations with the data.
KEY RESEARCH FINDINGS
The findings reveal a multifaceted understanding of acceptable limitations to paramedic duty and professional obligations during a pandemic. In the months leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, community members proposed a variety of acceptable limitations to paramedic duty and professional obligations, emphasising the safety of individual paramedics and their families. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant reduction in these proposed exceptions, indicating a recalibration of priorities towards the immediacy of ambulance service delivery. Perceived susceptibility to the pandemic played a pivotal role in shaping these shifts, highlighting the relationship between community perceptions of paramedic duty and professional obligation, and the tangible threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
IMPLICATIONS OF FINDINGS
The findings of this research have the potential to significantly influence ambulance service pandemic planning and response. Understanding the evolving expectations of community members provides valuable insights for patient-centred pandemic planning, resource allocation, and communication strategies during a pandemic. The recalibration observed in community priorities suggests a need for proactive measures to ensure the safety of paramedics whilst maintaining a responsive ambulance service. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of effective and personalised messaging by ambulance services, and the role of public health messaging in shaping community perceptions and influencing their behaviours during health emergencies.
In conclusion, this research contributes a nuanced understanding of the evolving perceptions of community members relating to paramedic duty and professional obligations in a pandemic, offering actionable insights for enhancing ambulance service delivery in the face of future public health challenges.
DOI
10.25958/ed82-kd36
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 22nd January 2026
Recommended Citation
Anderson, C. (2024). Exploring community perceptions on paramedic duty and professional obligations in pandemics. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/ed82-kd36