Introduction: Although paramedicine is an integral element of healthcare systems, there is a lack of universal consensus on its definition. This study aimed to derive a global consensus definition of paramedicine. Methods: Key attributes pertaining to paramedicine were identified from existing definitions within the literature. Utilising text analysis, common attribute themes were identified and six initial domains were developed. These domains formed the basis for a four-round Delphi study with a panel of 58 global experts within paramedicine to develop an international consensus definition. Results: Response rates across the study varied from 96.6% (round 1) to 63.8% (round 4). Participant feedback on appropriate attributes to include in the definition reflected the high level of specialized clinical care inherent within paramedicine, and its status as an essential element of healthcare systems. In addition, the results highlighted the extensive range of paramedicine capabilities and roles, and the diverse environments within which paramedics work. Conclusion: Delphi methodology was utilized to develop a global consensus definition of paramedicine. This definition is as follows: paramedicine is a domain of practice and health profession that specialises across a range of settings including, but not limited to, emergency and primary care. Paramedics work in a variety of clinical settings such as emergency medical services, ambulance services, hospitals and clinics as well as non-clinical roles, such as education, leadership, public health and research. Paramedics possess complex knowledge and skills, a broad scope of practice and are an essential part of the healthcare system. Depending on location, paramedics may practice under medical direction or independently, often in unscheduled, unpredictable or dynamic settings. We believe that the generation and provision of this consensus definition is essential to enable the further development and maturation of the discipline of paramedicine.

A scoping review was conducted in order to map and determine the gaps in literature on the impact of simulation as an educational approach to improve mental health care outcomes. As it became apparent that no literature existed on this topic, the study aimed to examine the educational impact of simulation on mental health education. An established five-stage scoping methodology was used: (1) identification of the research question, (2) identification of relevant studies, (3) study selection, (4) charting the data and (5) collation, summarising and reporting of results. CINAHL, ProQuest, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsychINFO databases were searched. These databases were deemed to represent a majority of the literature while accommodating for the particular search strategy used for this review. Websites that provide grey literature were also searched for articles of relevance. A total of 48 articles were included in this review, with a considerable portion of studies conducted in the USA and UK. Others were conducted in an array of locations including Australia, Canada, Iran and Taiwan. Of the included articles, seven groups of simulation methods (including standardised patients, virtual reality and manikins as patients) were evident, with standardised patients being most prominent. Literature is lacking to evidence the benefit of simulation on mental health patient outcomes. However, the available literature suggests a variety of simulation-based education, and training methods are currently being used within mental healthcare education. The findings do suggest some methods of simulation, such as the use of standardised patients, are more commonly used in education and have been deemed as effective to assist in mental health education. As no article specifically examining the mental health outcomes of patients treated by health professionals taught by simulation was identified, the educational outcomes outlined in this paper may be used to inform further research, incorporating mental health patient outcomes.

Objective.: To test the association, in patients with a diagnosis of diabetes I and II, between having or not having a care plan, (i.e. General Practice Management Plans (GPMPs),Team Care Arrangements (TCAs)), and having the recommended number of biochemical checks according to the diabetes Annual Cycle of Care guideline. The checks comprised HbA1c, HDL cholesterol and urinary microalbumin. Methods.: Chi-square analysis of retrospective group data obtained from the Medicare database (from ‘billing’ patterns only). Results.: The creation of GPMPs was associated with general practitioners (GPs) requesting checks for HbA1c (59.7%), HDL cholesterol (36.9%) and microalbumin (50.8%) for diabetes patients in accordance with guideline recommendations. Although the introduction of multidisciplinary care via a TCA was associated with an increase in the frequency of HbA1c checks (61.3%) in accordance with the guidelines, there was a reduction in the number of HDL cholesterol (23.7%) and microalbumin (36.8%) checks. The group with no care plans had the lowest association with HbA1c (47.8%), HDL cholesterol (19.7%) and microalbumin (29.3%) checks that met guideline requirements for diabetes. Conclusions.: The use of GPMPs showed strong association with increased testing of process measures that met guideline requirements for diabetes. Further research is needed to understand the value and benefits of TCAs in promoting adherence to diabetes guidelines. What is known about the topic?: Research suggests that care planning is associated with increased adherence by GPs to some of the processes of care stipulated in diabetes guidelines. What does the paper add?: This study examines Australia-wide data obtained from Medicare. The findings demonstrated strong association between care planning and the process measures examined in this study. In contrast to previous studies, multidisciplinary team involvement via a TCA appeared to be less important than a GPMP in promoting adherence to process measures. What are the implications for practitioners?: GPs should continue to provide structure care to patients via General Practice Management Plans.

Paramedicine in Australia was historically male‐dominated, and despite the development within the profession, sexism against women remains a major hurdle for a safe workplace. The aim of this scoping review was to identify experiences of reporting sexism toward female paramedics in Australian ambulance services and identify barriers impacting the decision to submit a report. Literature searches were conducted using eight electronic databases, with grey literature found through Google Scholar, media outlets and hand‐searching. Articles included were those with mention of sexism or associated behaviours reported to a senior authority within the field of paramedicine in Australia. Reporting of sexism within paramedicine was not a primary outcome for any included literature. Behaviours such as sexual assault and harassment are rarely defined, and sexism is often not reported independently. Experiences of women with reporting are primarily negative, and decisions to report sexism are made difficult by various barriers of which victimisation was most prominent. Following a report being lodged, all reported outcomes were inadequate as perceived by the victim. Further research into the reporting of sexism in Australian ambulance services is required to develop resolutions to the identified barriers and provide a safer reporting environment to encourage reporting.