title: An evaluation of a training placement in general practice for paramedic practitioner students: improving patient-centred care through greater interprofessional understanding and supporting the development of autonomous practitioners.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the extent to which the placement of paramedic practitioner students (PPSs) in accredited general practice (GP) training practices supported their development as autonomous, patient-centred practitioners and fostered interprofessional learning.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case study method was used. Sources of data included semi-structured telephone interviews (eight PPSs, eight GP trainers), an online end of placement survey and placement and assessment documentation. Interview data were transcribed and analysed using the constant comparative method.
  
  
  METHODS
  Accredited training practices in South East England.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All respondents were positive that the placement provided a high-quality interprofessional learning environment which provided PPSs with learning opportunities based on assessed need, the support of experienced trainers and access to a wide range of patients and learning situations. The placement enabled PPSs to acquire the appropriate skills, knowledge and understanding to act as autonomous, patient-centred practitioners.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The placement provides a sound model for expanding the skills of paramedic practitioners in order to meet the increasing demands for patient-centred, community based health care. It provided them with the skills to treat patients closer to home rather than automatically transporting them to hospital.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Health and Social Care, Canterbury Christ Church University, Chatham Maritime, Kent, UK. annmarie.ruston@canterbury.ac.uk
authors.forename: Annmarie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ruston
authors.forename: Abdol
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tavabie
mesh_terms: D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends; D004739:England; D058006:General Practice / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D019982:Organizational Case Studies / Q000379:methods; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D015397:Program Evaluation; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D000078329:Workforce