A simulated wilderness exercise: The development of relational competence in paramedic students

Journal article


Ford, Rosemary, Webb, Helen Lesley, Allen-Craig, Sandra Joan, Goodwin, Valerie Ann, D'Antonio, Jenny and Lofts, Charmane. (2014). A simulated wilderness exercise: The development of relational competence in paramedic students. Journal of Paramedic Practice. 6(11), pp. 574 - 583. https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2014.6.11.574
AuthorsFord, Rosemary, Webb, Helen Lesley, Allen-Craig, Sandra Joan, Goodwin, Valerie Ann, D'Antonio, Jenny and Lofts, Charmane
Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a cognitively and physically challenging simulated wilderness exercise (SWE) on the development of relational competence in senior paramedic students. New paramedic graduates reportedly bring limited relational competence to their work role. The SWE, conducted in a wilderness landscape in Central Victoria, Australia was developed to address this limitation. Our study, an interpretative qualitative design, used a convenience sample of paramedic students who attended the three-day event (n=29). Qualitative data were collected through participant field diary and focus groups. Thematic analysis of study data identified four themes associated with relational competence, with each giving voice to participants’ new understandings of themselves in the work environment, namely: ‘interpersonal relating’, ‘maturity, respect and tolerance’, ‘self-awareness in the team environment’ and ‘belonging and professional identity’. It is clear that the challenge of working in teams in an unfamiliar and physically taxing environment prompted and/or extended relational competence in study participants. The practice implication of this finding is that these graduates will perform the relational aspects of their work role with greater ease, thus strengthening transition to normal work pressures in their first professional work role.

Keywordseducation; health; interpersonal relations; paramedics; patient simulation; personal communication
Year2014
JournalJournal of Paramedic Practice
Journal citation6 (11), pp. 574 - 583
PublisherMA Healthcare Ltd
ISSN1759-1376
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.12968/jpar.2014.6.11.574
Page range574 - 583
Research GroupSchool of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationUnited Kingdom
Permalink -

https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/89z55/a-simulated-wilderness-exercise-the-development-of-relational-competence-in-paramedic-students

Restricted files

Publisher's version

  • 96
    total views
  • 0
    total downloads
  • 5
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month
These values are for the period from 19th October 2020, when this repository was created.

Export as

Related outputs

Widening the aperture : Using visual methods to broaden our understanding of gender in the outdoor profession
Gray, Tonia, Allen-Craig, Sandra, Mitten, Denise and Charles, Rylie. (2022). Widening the aperture : Using visual methods to broaden our understanding of gender in the outdoor profession. Annals of Leisure Research. 25(3), pp. 314-334. https://doi.org/10.1080/11745398.2021.1899831
What future/s for outdoor and environmental education in a world that has contended with COVID-19?
Quay, John, Gray, Tonia, Thomas, Glyn, Allen-Craig, Sandy, Asfeldt, Morten, Andkjaer, Soren, Beames, Simon, Cosgriff, Marg, Dyment, Janet, Higgins, Pete, Ho, Susanna, Leather, Mark, Mitten, Denise, Morse, Marcus, Neill, James, North, Chris, Passy, Rowena, Pedersen-Gurholt, Kirsti, Polley, Scott, ... Foley, Dorothy. (2020). What future/s for outdoor and environmental education in a world that has contended with COVID-19? Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education. 23(2), pp. 93-117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42322-020-00059-2
A qualitative meta-synthesis investigating the experiences of the patient’s family when treatment is withdrawn in the intensive care unit
Coventry, Alysia, Ford, Rosemary, Rosenberg, John and McInnes, Elizabeth. (2020). A qualitative meta-synthesis investigating the experiences of the patient’s family when treatment is withdrawn in the intensive care unit. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 76(9), pp. 2222-2234. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14416
Qualitative evaluation of a postgraduate course in mental health nursing
Goodwin, Val, McMaster, Rose, Hyde, Sandra, Appleby, Meghan and Fletcher, Therese. (2019). Qualitative evaluation of a postgraduate course in mental health nursing. Nurse Education in Practice. 36, pp. 40-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2019.02.015
Threshold concepts for Australian university outdoor education programs : Findings from a Delphi research study
Thomas, Glyn, Grenon, Heather, Morse, Marcus, Allen-Craig, Sandy, Mangelsdorf, Anthony and Polley, Scott. (2019). Threshold concepts for Australian university outdoor education programs : Findings from a Delphi research study. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education. 22, pp. 169-186. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42322-019-00039-1
Anaesthetic nurses' perceptions of learning during interprofessional simulation education
Armour, Tarryn, Ford, Rosemary and Rasmussen, Bodil. (2019). Anaesthetic nurses' perceptions of learning during interprofessional simulation education. Clinical Simulation in Nursing. 35, pp. 5-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2019.06.001
The invisibility cloak : Women’s contributions to outdoor and environmental education 
Mitten, Denise, Gray, Tonia, Allen-Craig, Sandy, Loeffler, T. A. and Carpenter, Cathryn. (2018). The invisibility cloak : Women’s contributions to outdoor and environmental education . The Journal of Environmental Education. 49(4), pp. 318-327. https://doi.org/10.1080/00958964.2017.1366890
Outdoor education : Threaded pathways to belonging 
Allen-Craig, Sandy and Carpenter, Cathryn. (2018). Outdoor education : Threaded pathways to belonging . In In Gray, Tonia and Mitten, Denise (Ed.). The Palgrave international handbook of women and outdoor learning pp. 55-73 Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53550-0_4
End-of-life-care in the ICU : A qualitative meta-synthesis investigating the experiences and perceptions of the patients family
Coventry, Alysia, McInnes, Elizabeth Catherine, Resenberg, John and Ford, Rosemary. (2017). End-of-life-care in the ICU : A qualitative meta-synthesis investigating the experiences and perceptions of the patients family. 41st ANZICS/ACCCN Annual Scientific Meeting on Intensive Care. 20 - 22 Oct 2016 Australia: Elsevier Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2017.02.013
Defining moments : An examination of the gender divide in women’s contribution to outdoor education
Gray, Tonia, Mitten, Denise, Loeffler, T. A., Allen-Craig, Sandy and Carpenter, Cathryn. (2017). Defining moments : An examination of the gender divide in women’s contribution to outdoor education. Research in Outdoor Education. 15(1), pp. 47-71. https://doi.org/10.1353/roe.2017.0003
The education of coaches for the development of peoples
Allen-Craig, Sandra. (2016). The education of coaches for the development of peoples. Coaches : Educating people : International seminar. Rome 14 - 15 May 2015 Pontificium Consilium pro Laicis, Liberia Editrice Vaticana. pp. 129-134
From student to practicing oncology nurse: A novel collaboration to create a transition to practice program in ambulatory cancer care
Dorcy, Kathleen Shannon, Elgar, Suni, Heye, Diane, Ford, Rosemary, Bohl, Sharol, Eisenberg, Seth, Coumar, Arlyce, Pearson, Pamela, Pugh, Julianne, Mather, Karla and Matthews, Debra Wise. (2016). From student to practicing oncology nurse: A novel collaboration to create a transition to practice program in ambulatory cancer care. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 20(3), pp. 298 - 302. https://doi.org/10.1188/16.CJON.298-302
A systematic review of the effect of telephone, internet or combined support for carers of people living with Alzheimer's, vascular or mixed dementia in the community
Jackson, David Andrew, Roberts, Gail, Wu, Min Lin, Ford, Rosemary and Doyle, Colleen Joy. (2016). A systematic review of the effect of telephone, internet or combined support for carers of people living with Alzheimer's, vascular or mixed dementia in the community. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. 66(September-October), pp. 218 - 236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2016.06.013
The Future in Youth sport program, Timor-Leste : Impacts on youth, coaches and community
Raw, Katherine, Allen-Craig, Sandra and Smith, Ross. (2015). The Future in Youth sport program, Timor-Leste : Impacts on youth, coaches and community. International Sports Studies. 37(2), pp. 4-18.
A wilderness based therapeutic intervention at risk of homelessness and educational disconnection
Allen-Craig, Sandra and Ronalds, Lisa. (2015). A wilderness based therapeutic intervention at risk of homelessness and educational disconnection. In In C. L. Norton, C. Carpenter and A. Pryor (Ed.). Adventure therapy around the globe: International perspectives and diverse approaches pp. 90 - 109 Common Ground Publishing.
Health professionals perspectives of care for seriously ill children living at home
Ward, Cynthia, Evans, Alicia, Ford, Rosemary and Glass, Nel. (2015). Health professionals perspectives of care for seriously ill children living at home. Nursing Praxis in New Zealand. 31(2), pp. 25 - 34.
The electronic self report assessment and intervention for cancer: Promoting patient verbal reporting of symptom and quality of life issues in a randomized controlled trial
Berry, Donna L., Hong, Fangxin, Halpenny, Barbara, Partridge, Anne, Fox, Erica, Fann, Jesse R., Wolpin, Seth, Lober, William B., Bush, Nigel, Parvathaneni, Upendra, Amtmann, Dagmar and Ford, Rosemary. (2014). The electronic self report assessment and intervention for cancer: Promoting patient verbal reporting of symptom and quality of life issues in a randomized controlled trial. BMC Cancer. 14(1), pp. 1 - 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-14-513
Wellness for work : Perspectives from nurses, midwives and paramedics in Australia
Glass, Nel E., Ogle, Kaye, Webb, Helen, Rice, Vanessa and Yeboah, Cecilia. (2014). Wellness for work : Perspectives from nurses, midwives and paramedics in Australia. The International Journal of Health, Wellness and Society. 3(3), pp. 23 - 39.
Electronic self-report assessment for cancer and self-care support: Results of a multicenter randomized trial
Berry, Donna L., Hong, Fangxin, Halpenny, Barbara, Partridge, Anne H., Fann, Jesse R., Wolpin, Seth, Lober, William B., Bush, Nigel E., Parvathaneni, Upendra, Back, Anthony L., Amtmann, Dagmar and Ford, Rosemary. (2014). Electronic self-report assessment for cancer and self-care support: Results of a multicenter randomized trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 32(3), pp. 199 - 205. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2013.48.6662
Digger’s Trail Wilderness Exercise (DWTE): A work-integrated experience for paramedic students
Webb, Helen Lesley, Allen-Craig, Sandra Joan, Ford, Rosemary, Williams, Paula Elizabeth and Goodwin, Valerie Ann. (2014). Digger’s Trail Wilderness Exercise (DWTE): A work-integrated experience for paramedic students. In K. Moore (Ed.). 2014 ACEN National Conference. Australia: Australian Collaborative Education Network (ACEN) Limited. pp. 16 - 20
Decision to transfer to hospital from the residential aged care setting: A systematic review of qualitative evidence exploring residential aged care staff experiences
Laging, Bridget, Bauer, Michael, Ford, Rosemary and Nay, Rhonda. (2014). Decision to transfer to hospital from the residential aged care setting: A systematic review of qualitative evidence exploring residential aged care staff experiences. JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports. 12(2), pp. 263 - 388. https://doi.org/10.11124/jbisrir-2014-1141
Exploring the long-term effects for young women involved in an outdoor education program
Allen-Craig, Sandra and Hartley, Claire. (2012). Exploring the long-term effects for young women involved in an outdoor education program. In A J Bobilya and R A Poff (Ed.). Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. Special Issue: 2011 AORE and 2012 OLRS Research Symposium Abstracts. United States of America: Western Kentucky University. pp. 88 - 91
Exploring the long-term effects for young women involved in an outdoor education program
Allen-Craig, Sandra and Hartley, Claire. (2012). Exploring the long-term effects for young women involved in an outdoor education program. In A J Bobilya and R A Poff (Ed.). Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership. Special Issue: 2011 AORE and 2012 OLRS Research Symposium Abstracts. United States: Western Kentucky University. pp. 88 - 91
A wilderness-based therapeutic intervention for young people at risk of homelessness and educational disconnection
Allen-Craig, Sandra and Ronalds, Lisa. (2012). A wilderness-based therapeutic intervention for young people at risk of homelessness and educational disconnection. In A Pryor, C Carpenter and C L Norton & J Kirchner (Ed.). Fifth International Adventure Therapy Conference 2009. Australia: European Science and Art Publishing. pp. 79 - 90
A wilderness-based therapeutic intervention for young people at risk of homelessness and educational disconnection
Allen-Craig, Sandra and Ronalds, Lisa. (2012). A wilderness-based therapeutic intervention for young people at risk of homelessness and educational disconnection. In A Pryor, C Carpenter and C L Norton & J Kirchner (Ed.). Fifth International Adventure Therapy Conference 2009. Australia: European Science and Art Publishing. pp. 79 - 90
Do outdoor education programs enable students to develop a relationship to the natural world?
Allen-Craig, Sandra. (2010). Do outdoor education programs enable students to develop a relationship to the natural world? The Victorian Outdoors Conference. Outdoors Victoria.
An analysis of nurses' views of harm reduction measures and other treatments for the problems associated with illicit drug use
Ford, Rosemary. (2010). An analysis of nurses' views of harm reduction measures and other treatments for the problems associated with illicit drug use. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing. 28(1), pp. 14 - 24.
Lessons from the field: An examination of count errors in the operating theatre
Butler, Margaret, Ford, Rosemary, Boxer, Elaine and Sutherland-Fraser, Sally. (2010). Lessons from the field: An examination of count errors in the operating theatre. ACORN : The Journal of Perioperative Nursing in Australia. 23(3), pp. 6 - 16.
Seeing both the forest and the trees: A process for tracking individual responses in focus group interviews
Goodwin, Valerie Ann and Happell, Brenda. (2009). Seeing both the forest and the trees: A process for tracking individual responses in focus group interviews. Nurse Researcher. 17(1), pp. 62 - 67. https://doi.org/10.7748/nr2009.10.17.1.62.c7341
A research routine to assess bias introduced by low response rates in postal surveys
Ford, Rosemary and Bammer, Gabriele. (2009). A research routine to assess bias introduced by low response rates in postal surveys. Nurse Researcher. 17(1), pp. 44 - 53. https://doi.org/10.7748/nr2009.10.17.1.44.c7338
The enhancement of resilience via a wilderness therapy program: A preliminary investigation
Gillespie, Edward and Allen-Craig, Sandra. (2009). The enhancement of resilience via a wilderness therapy program: A preliminary investigation. Australian Journal of Outdoor Education. 13(1), pp. 39 - 49.
Residential aged-care workers and the palliative approach: Tensions in the field
McInerney, Frances, Ford, Rosemary, Simpson, Angela and Willison, Michelle. (2009). Residential aged-care workers and the palliative approach: Tensions in the field. Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing. 11(6), pp. 344 - 352. https://doi.org/10.1097/NJH.0b013e3181bd03df
Improving nurses’ therapeutic attitude to patients who use illicit drugs: Workplace drug and alcohol education is not enough
Ford, Rosemary, Bammer, Gabriele and Becker, Niels. (2009). Improving nurses’ therapeutic attitude to patients who use illicit drugs: Workplace drug and alcohol education is not enough. International Journal of Nursing Practice. 15, pp. 112 - 118. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-172X.2009.01732.x
Personal development as a contribution to professional development :activity based learning, graduate attributes and student learning outcomes
Allen-Craig, Sandra Joan, Maschette, Wayne Edward and Saunders, John E.. (2008). Personal development as a contribution to professional development :activity based learning, graduate attributes and student learning outcomes. In T. Rossi, P. Hay and L. McCuaig (Ed.). Sport Pedagogy Research, Policy and Practice: International Perspectives in Physical Education and Coaching. Proceedings of the 2008 AIESEP World Congress, Sapporo, Japan.. Brisbane, Australia: University of Queensland Press.
Preventing family and educational disconnection through wilderness-based therapy targeting youth at risk
Ronalds, Lisa and Allen-Craig, Sandra. (2008). Preventing family and educational disconnection through wilderness-based therapy targeting youth at risk. A C H P E R Australia Healthy Lifestyles Journal (print version). 55(4), pp. 5 - 14.
Psychiatric nurses' attitudes toward consumer and carer participation in care: Part 2-barriers to participation.
Goodwin, Valerie Ann and Happell, Brenda. (2008). Psychiatric nurses' attitudes toward consumer and carer participation in care: Part 2-barriers to participation. Policy Politics and Nursing Practice. 9(4), pp. 249 - 256. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527154408316064
The determinants of nurses' therapeutic attitude to patients who use illicit drugs and implications for workforce development
Ford, Rosemary, Bammer, Gabriele and Becker, Niels. (2008). The determinants of nurses' therapeutic attitude to patients who use illicit drugs and implications for workforce development. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 17(18), pp. 2452 - 2462. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2007.02266.x
What outcomes are we trying to achieve in our outdoor education programs?
McCleod, Beth and Allen-Craig, Sandra. (2007). What outcomes are we trying to achieve in our outdoor education programs? Australian Journal of Outdoor Education. 11(2), pp. 41 - 49.
Can outdoor educators make a difference? The effect of outdoor educators on achieving program outcomes
Allen-Craig, Sandra and Miller, Jacqueline. (2007). Can outdoor educators make a difference? The effect of outdoor educators on achieving program outcomes. A C H P E R Australia Healthy Lifestyles Journal (print version). 54(2), pp. 5 - 12.
The Outdoor Educators Effect on Achieving Program Outcomes :A cross-section of Australian Schools
Allen-Craig, Sandra Joan and Miller, Jacqueline. (2006). The Outdoor Educators Effect on Achieving Program Outcomes :A cross-section of Australian Schools. In Fiona Stoddart (Ed.). Preston, Lancashire,England: Division of Outdoor Education, University of Central Lancashire. pp. 1 - 30
What outcomes are we trying to achieve in outdoor programs? An examination of outdoor education and experiential education programs effect on life effectiveness skills
Allen-Craig, Sandra Joan and Mcleod, Beth. (2005). What outcomes are we trying to achieve in outdoor programs? An examination of outdoor education and experiential education programs effect on life effectiveness skills. The 14th National Outdoor Education Conference: The Challenges We Face. Gold Coast, Australia: Outdoor Council of Australia. pp. 1 - 17
An Evaluation of Experiential Learning and Outdoor Education school programs on the life effectiveness skills of middle school boys
Allen-Craig, Sandra Joan and McLeod, Beth. (2004). An Evaluation of Experiential Learning and Outdoor Education school programs on the life effectiveness skills of middle school boys. In Andrew Brooks and Dr. Peter Martin (Chair) (Ed.). International Outdoor Education Research Conference Proceedings. Bendigo, Australia: La Trobe University. pp. 1 - 14
Insurance: Risk management development and new initiatives in the outdoor profession
Allen-Craig, Sandra Joan. (2003). Insurance: Risk management development and new initiatives in the outdoor profession. Relevance: Making it Happen. 13th AOEC National Outdoor Education Conference. Adelaide, Australia: Outdoor Educators Association of South Australia. pp. 26 - 35
Wages & conditions for the Victorian outdoor profession
Allen-Craig, Sandra and Moonen, Bettina. (2002). Wages & conditions for the Victorian outdoor profession. Australian Journal of Outdoor Education. 6(2), pp. 37 - 43.