BU Research Blog

This review has explored the transition experiences of graduate paramedics and identified that professional socialization, identity formation, workplace relationships, emotional wellbeing, and the theory–practice gap all influence this period of development. The findings suggest that structured support, for example, through profession-specific preceptorship, has the potential to mitigate some of the challenges experienced during the transition to autonomous practice. While graduates have an important role in their own professional development, organizations also have a responsibility to establish appropriate support structures that facilitate confidence, competence, and wellbeing.  The review concluded that gormal support structures such as preceptorship can help graduates overcome challenges faced in their transition into autonomous practice.

Iain is supervised at BU by Dr. Ursula Rolfe, Associate Professor of Paramedic Science and Faculty of Health, Environment & Medical Sciences’ Practice Simulation Lead, as well as Prof. Edwin van Teijlingen from the Centre for Midwifery & Women’s Health (CMWH), and in Australia by Prof. Scot Devenish, Professor of Paramedicine at Griffith University, Australia.

Well done!

Darby, I., Rolfe, U., van Teijlingen, E., & Devenish, S. (2026) How do newly qualified paramedics experience the transition to autonomous practice, and what role do formal support structures play in this transition? A scoping review. International Journal of Paramedicine. (16): 181-197. https://doi.org/10.56068/HZTF2293