Exploring the structure and characteristics of the Anglo-American paramedic system in developed countries: a scoping review
International Journal of Emergency Services
ISSN: 2047-0894
Article publication date: 20 December 2021
Issue publication date: 9 August 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to map and examine the existing evidence to provide an overview of what is known about the structure and characteristics of the Anglo-American paramedic system in developed countries.
Design/methodology/approach
The review includes results examining the structure and characteristics of the Anglo-American paramedic system in English-speaking developed countries. Databases, including Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, CINAHL, Google Scholar and Epistemonikos, were searched from the inception of the databases. A grey literature search strategy was conducted to identify non-indexed relevant literature along with forward and backward searching of citations and references of included studies. Two reviewers undertook title and abstract screening, followed by full-text screening. Finally, data extraction was performed using a customised instrument. Included studies were summarised using narrative synthesis structured around broad themes exploring the structure and characteristics of the Anglo-American paramedic system.
Findings
The synthesis of information shows that varying models (or subsystems) exist within the Anglo-American paramedic system. The use of metaphorical models based on philosophical underpinnings are used to describe two novel subsystems within the Anglo-American paramedic system. These are the professionally autonomous and directive paramedic systems, with the directive model being further categorised into the rescue and hospital-managed submodels.
Originality/value
This study is the first of its kind to explore the modern subcategorisation of the Anglo-American paramedic system using a realist lens as the basis for its approach.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that they have no competing interests with respect to the authorship and/or the publication of this article. No funding was received for this work, and the authors have no conflict of interest.
Citation
Makrides, T., Ross, L., Gosling, C., Acker, J. and O'Meara, P. (2022), "Exploring the structure and characteristics of the Anglo-American paramedic system in developed countries: a scoping review", International Journal of Emergency Services, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 248-262. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJES-05-2021-0025
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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