Feedback Use in Paramedicine

Objective: The aim of this scoping review is to determine how feedback is used in paramedicine. Introduction: Feedback is widely recognised as essential for clinician growth in healthcare however there is limited research on its use within paramedicine. Paramedics place high value on effective feedback and different types and methods are used depending on context. Methods: Peer-reviewed primary research involving any type of feedback used in paramedicine was included. We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMCARE, SCOPUS and grey literature from inception to March 2023. Two authors independently screened and selected studies for full-text review. One reviewer performed data extraction. This reviewfollowed JBI methodological guidance and PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. Results: From 413 articles 20 were included in this review (16 quantitative, 3 qualitative and 1 mixed-methods). Feedback is generally given under the themes of professional and personal development, quality improvement, resuscitation and education. Paramedics have a strong desire for feedback to meet personal and professional needs. However, current provisions are inadequate and compounded by existing barriers. Informal routes of feedbackare sought when formal routes are inadequate despite the latter having more weighting. Feedback in resuscitation either in real-time or post-incident positively modifies paramedic behaviour to improve performance. Feedback is used in paramedic services to standardize care as part of quality improvement. Within an education setting feedback as an education tool is well received and improves confidence for future performance. Conclusion: Paramedics display a positive attitude to receiving feedback to meet personaland professional requirements. Desires for feedback outweigh provisions compounded by existing barriers, potentially creating a paramedic wellbeing issue. Feedback is an effective tool within paramedicine in modifying behaviours either immediately or post-incident to improve clinical performance.