Professional Practice in Paramedic, Emergency and Urgent Care

Professional Practice in Paramedic, Emergency and Urgent Care explores a range of contemporary relevant topics fundamental to professional practice. Written for both pre- and post-registration paramedic students, it is also ideal for existing practitioners looking to develop their CPD skills as well as nursing and other health professionals working in emergency and urgent care settings.

• Each chapter includes examples, practical exercises and clinical scenarios, helping the reader relate theory to practice and develop critical thinking skills
• Covers not only acute patient management but also a range of additional topics to provide a holistic approach to out-of-hospital care
• Completion of the material in the book can be used as evidence in professional portfolios as required by the Health and Care Professions Council

Professional Practice in Paramedic, Emergency and Urgent Care is a comprehensive, theoretical underpinning to professional practice at all levels of paramedic and out-of-hospital care.

List of Contributors vi

Introduction ix

Acknowledgements xi

1 History Taking 1
Val Nixon

2 Consultation and Communication Skills 22
Karen Gubbins and Val Nixon

3 Clinical Decision Making 50
Jacqui Mason and Val Nixon

4 Evidence Based Practice 77
Louise Perkinton and Val Nixon

5 Reflection and Reflective Practice 107
Kay Norman and Val Nixon

6 Professional and Legal Issues 132
Karen Latcham

7 Anti-discriminatory Practice 154
Matt Capsey

8 Medicines Management 176
Lorna McInulty

9 Continuing Professional Development and Portfolio Development 203
Val Nixon

Index 223

About the Editor

Val Nixon is Academic Group Lead for Adult Nursing at Staffordshire University, Staffordshire, UK. Paramedic Education was a large part of her previous role as Principal Lecturer in Acute and Emergency Care at this institution, and she has also acted as Project Lead/Manager for Emergency & Urgent Care (Consultancy) at West Midlands Strategic Health Authority.