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Mental health training for Australian undergraduate paramedic science students: A review
journal contribution
posted on 2021-10-24, 22:43 authored by Shannon C King, Amanda RebarAmanda Rebar, Paul OliveriPaul Oliveri, Robert StantonRobert StantonPurpose: This paper aims to present the current state of evidence regarding the mental health literacy of paramedics and student paramedics and whether mental health literacy affects the care that paramedics provide to their patients with mental illness. Design/methodology/approach: Embase, PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar were searched for recent (2010–2020) English language published articles using the key phrases paramedic AND/OR ambulance AND mental health AND mental health literacy. Additional searches of the reference lists of included articles were undertaken. A descriptive thematic analysis was used to arrive at a narrative synthesis of the study findings. Findings: The emergency medical services system has taken a primary role in the care of patients with mental illness but has limited capacity for non-emergency psychosocial situations. Negative and judgemental attitudes amongst paramedics towards patients with mental illness is a significant issue and remains a barrier to patients seeking medical care for mental illness. Improved care provision and patient engagement might result from specific education aimed to better enhance paramedics’ mental health literacy. Originality/value: This literature review provides insights into the current practice of mental health training for Australian undergraduate paramedic science students and the implications for patient care. Recommendations for educational strategies are provided.
History
Volume
16Issue
5Start Page
373End Page
382Number of Pages
10eISSN
2042-8707ISSN
1755-6228Publisher
EmeraldPublisher DOI
Full Text URL
Language
enPeer Reviewed
- Yes
Open Access
- No
Acceptance Date
2021-06-29Author Research Institute
- Appleton Institute
Era Eligible
- Yes