The incorporation of global dimensions within the programme through the successful development and promotion of overseas student exchanges
What happened?
Edge Hill’s Paramedic Department and Saimaa University, Finland share best practice, specifically around clinical simulation and practical assessments. Students exchange between the departments twice a year, sharing knowledge and experience of professional clinical practice. This venture was set up very quickly and has had a direct impact on students and the local community. Future work between the institutions will involve international peer critique of working practice and evidence-based care and online live stream critique of clinical simulations.
Edge Hill’s Paramedic team has also developed a link with the University of Johannesburg and will be sending students to South Africa for the first time in 2017 to partake in a multi-agency exercise. The department has thus demonstrated the ease of setting up international partnerships. Following the collaboration with Edge Hill, some students from Saimaa University have since gained employment with the North West Ambulance Service resulting in a directly positive impact on the local community. Students have benefitted through integration of new high tech simulation facilities at St James’ in Manchester that were purchased from Finland. Simulation set up, feedback and overall management have been replicated from best working practice in Finland, further preparing students for clinical practice.
A new 3D immersive simulation suite is being installed at St James’ following a review of its impact on student learning in Finland.
An overnight scenario and team building exercise has been incorporated into the first year of the programme following work with the University of Johannesburg. Further to this, a student exchange is being developed enabling Edge Hill students the opportunity to partake in a multi-disciplinary exercise in South Africa commencing September 2017.
An increased knowledge base, and dissemination of international paramedic evidence-based practice has been embedded within the curriculum.
For more information please contact Andrew Kirk,
[email protected]
[SOURCE: BSc (Hons) Paramedic Practice].