SUBJECT:

emergency medical services - COLLEGE AGREEMENT FOR PRECEPTORSHIP

OBJET :

SERVICES MÉDICAUX D’URGENCE - ENTENTE OFFICIELLE DE PRÉCEPTORAT

REPORT RECOMMENDATION

That the Emergency and Protective Services Committee receive this report for information.

RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT

Que le Comité des services de protection et d’urgence prenne connaissance du présent rapport.

BACKGROUND

Ottawa Emergency Medical Services (EMS) currently employs 203 Primary Care Paramedics (PCP) and 84 Advanced Care Paramedics (ACP). As the demand for additional unit hours increases to meet the system design, improved response times, as well as a full advanced care paramedic service, additional resources are and will continue to be required.

Currently the Province of Ontario is experiencing a shortage of qualified Advanced Care Paramedics. The demand for quality Advanced Care Paramedics and Primary Care Paramedics who can backfill or continue on as Advanced Care Paramedics will continue to grow.

To ensure a sustainable recruitment pool, it is in the City of Ottawa’s interest to maintain a close working relationship with the local colleges, Algonquin College and La Cité collégiale.

Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) licensure is the entry level of practice as a Paramedic within the Province of Ontario. The requirement for licensure is dictated by the Ambulance Act as set out by the Provincial government. To be eligible for licensure an applicant must first complete two years of a community college paramedicine program.

Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) licensure reflects the current highest level of practitioner provided at Ottawa Emergency Medical Services. Obtaining this level of clinical excellence requires up to an additional one year of education. This level of education is currently not being provided locally, however should a local college develop such a program this agreement would be reflective of an advanced care paramedic agreement.

Within the two-year paramedicine diploma program, there is a requirement for up to 300 hours of learning in the field environment. The process includes matching up a paramedic learner with a paramedic preceptor to perform the functions of a paramedic under supervision prior to graduation.

Historically the precepting of paramedic students has been a somewhat unorganized process. There is a need for the colleges to obtain field placements as part of the course of study for their students to graduate, which relied on the interest of the individual paramedics to precept students. There was little if any involvement of the previous six operators in the process. This created an inconsistent method by which future paramedics would gain their field experience.

The involvement of the City of Ottawa in the preceptorship of paramedic students is an investment in Ottawa EMS’s future.

DISCUSSION

Ottawa Emergency Medical Services has entered into a Preceptorship Agreement with our partners, Algonquin College and La Cité collégiale at the two-year Community College Paramedic Diploma Programs. This agreement is intended to reflect the current practice of providing an educational opportunity for Paramedic Learners at Ottawa Emergency Medical Services. A balanced approach to the responsibility and accountability between Ottawa Emergency Medical Services and the educational institutions has been reflected throughout this agreement. It is also recognized that this agreement primarily addresses the needs of current primary care paramedic learning, however if these colleges would develop the capacity to provide advanced care paramedic training this agreement would apply.

Ottawa EMS and the Colleges have collaboratively constructed a Preceptorship Agreement that meets the needs of the educational institutions, the learners and the City. The academic objectives that the learner is required to perform while in preceptorship, will remain unchanged while the expectation of both the City of Ottawa EMS and the College administration are more clearly defined. The Preceptorship Agreement allows for more accountability of both the Colleges and Ottawa EMS. The Colleges remain accountable for the preparation of the learners prior to Preceptorship placement. Ottawa EMS is accountable for ensuring operational and clinical supervision as well as mentorship of the learner.

Highlights of the College Agreement for Preceptorship

Expectations of the College:

Notify Ottawa EMS of estimated number of learners requested
Ensure suitable protective clothing for learners
Ensure criminal reference checks for learners
Identify a Clinical Placement Officer
Conduct assessments of learner’s performance during placement
Consult with the Ottawa EMS regarding recognition of Preceptors
Provide a preceptorship course to Ottawa EMS Paramedics
Provide and maintain for its learners, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Compensation Coverage
Maintains commercial general liability insurance and malpractice liability insurance coverage

Ability to suspend or amend the agreement with notice.

Expectations of Ottawa Emergency Medical Services:

Notify College of availability for learner placement
Determine the ratio of learner / preceptor
Provide the learner with an environment that is consistent with their academic needs
Provide mentorship, coaching and feedback
Right to suspend or terminate learners from preceptorship
Ability to suspend or amend the agreement with notice.

Ottawa EMS will provide a supportive and mentoring environment that will ultimately benefit both the college graduates and the Ottawa community.

CONSULTATION

Emergency Medical Services Branch has consulted with Algonquin College, La Cité collégiale, City of Ottawa Legal Department and EMS Paramedics.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications associated with this report.