A National Assessment of the Roles and Responsibilities of Training Officers

Introduction

Training Officer (TO) definition: “used interchangeably with instructor, preceptor, and mentor”1

“can provide an unbiased viewpoint regarding the ability of the paramedic in question”2

one who attests to the continued competencies of practicing EMS professionals in specific out-of-hospital skills3

1.Nepon B, Eberly B. Field training officer: tips and techniques for FTOs, preceptors, and mentors. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett, 2008. 2. Kuehl A. National Assoication of EMS Physicians. Prehospital Systems and Medical Oversight. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Lifeline, 1994. 3. NREMT. Paramedic Recertification Form 2012. Columbus, OH, 2011

Introduction

EMS system leaders rely heavily on these individuals to implement changes within an EMS system and to ensure competency of practicing EMS professionals. Little is understood about the true roles and responsibilities of TOs

Objectives

To describe demographic and work-life characteristics of TOs Estimate the number of hours spent on specific TO tasks in a typical week Determine methods of training officer appointment and education received after appointment. Assess differences of roles in EMS service types and size

Methodology: Study Design

Cross-sectional census analysis

TOs obtained from NREMT database TOs updated and maintained by the agency and its existing TOs

Data collection began February 2011

Participation had no bearing on agency affiliation or national certification

Methodology: Variables of Interest

Demographics

Work-life Characteristics

TO Tasks and Roles

TO Appointment and Education

Methodology: Data Analysis

Web-based survey software

Shapiro-Wilk test for normality Medians presented if non normally distributed

Chi-square test (α=0.05)

Mann-Whitney U test (α=0.05)

Results

51% response rate

Results

Results

Results

Results

Results

Discussion

Demographics were consistent with profession

EMS services seem to be piecing together the TO role Large percentage of TOs have received no education or training for this role

Discussion

TOs reported spending a median of one hour observing the continued competency of individuals in their service Little time is spent orienting new employees

Who is doing this?

Limitations

NREMT TO database No state approval required Individual may be responsible for signing off on individuals and not observing them

Nonresponder bias Respondent error

Normality

Which statistical test?