Self-regulation and medical direction

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse two approaches to paramedic service clinical governance and quality management from the perspective of two groups of paramedics and paramedic managers working in North America. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was utilised to describe and analyse paramedic service medical direction in North America and contrast this with the professional self-governance and clinical governance systems operating in other high-income countries. Researchers interviewed participants at two remote North American sites, then completed transcription and thematic analysis. Findings Participants identified three themes: first, resourcing, regulatory frameworks and fragmentation; second, independent practice facilitators and barriers; and third, paramedic roles and professionalisation. Those trained outside North America tended to identify self-regulation and clinical governance as the preferred approach to quality management. Few participants had considered paramedicine becoming a self-regulating health profession. Originality/value In North America, the “medical direction” model is the dominant approach employed to ensure optimal patient outcomes in paramedic service delivery. In contrast, other comparable countries employ paramedic self-regulatory systems combined with clinical governance to achieve the same ends. This is one of two studies to examine medical direction from the perspective of paramedics and paramedic managers.