Is the Calgary-Cambridge Model of consultation a suitable communication tool for students and newly qualified paramedics? A qualitative study

Introduction: The Calgary-Cambridge Model (C-CM), developed by Kurtz and Silverman in 1996, is a communication tool developed for doctors. Since its publication, it has been adopted by various healthcare professionals; however, no previous research has been identified that evaluates its use in paramedic practice. This study aims to explore the experience of students and newly qualified paramedics (NQPs) applying the C-CM in practice, and establish their experiences and perceptions of its suitability as a communication tool in the pre-hospital environment.

Methods: This MSc research project, conducted in April‐May 2021, applied qualitative methods with thematic analysis to written reflections and semi-structured interview transcripts discussing the implementation of C-CM in paramedic practice. A convenience-quota sample of 11 participants, consisting of third-year paramedic students and recent NQPs, were recruited. This research is reported using Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) reporting guidelines.

Results: Eleven participants were recruited in total; nine consented to reflective writing analysis and interviews, two consented to writing analysis only. Analysis of the writing samples allowed for a deductive approach to the interview plan. Participants consisted of seven males and four females. All eleven participants (ten British and one Indian) spoke English as a first language. Ages ranged from 18 to 59 years. Career status was 46.2% third-year students and 53.8% NQPs. Four major themes were identified: barriers to implementation of the C-CM in practice; impact of C-CM on paramedic practice; C-CM as a teaching and learning tool in paramedic practice; and adaptation of C-CM for paramedic practice.

Conclusions: Participants suggested that implementation of C-CM leads to improved structure and shared decision-making; however, adaptions to make it more paramedic-focused would be welcomed. The diversity of patients and their preferences can make its implementation challenging, and the negative feedback received from experienced ambulance staff was a significant concern to participants.