Learning afforded to student paramedics in a rural health promotion activity

Abstract

Background: Clinical placements can be limited in rural areas so innovative models of this are increasingly needed. Aims: This paper explores the learning afforded to undergraduate paramedicine students through a short-term health promotion activity. Methods: Undergraduate paramedicine students who attended a health promotion event as part of their work-integrated learning requirements were invited to take part in a group mind-mapping activity. Two central questions were posed to the students: ‘What did you learn during your placement at the agricultural field days?’ and ‘What facilitated your learning at the agricultural field days?’ Results: 13 of the 14 students attending the placement participated in the study. Content analysis was carried out, and themes were agreed upon using a constant comparative method and represented as a conceptual schema. Three main themes were identified: practising professional skills experience in high-dose, narrow-scope activity; creating a space for reciprocal connection between students and community members; and challenged presumptions of rural health. Conclusion: Short-term health promotion activities can provide diverse and valuable learnings to undergraduate paramedicine students.