OxInAHR/Nigel Groome Studentship: Co-development of an exercise intervention to improve occupational health and wellbeing of the paramedic workforce

Paramedics are at extra injury risk due to manual handling compared to other NHS staff. NHS data identifies ambulance staff as the professionally qualified clinical staff group with the highest rates of sickness absence from back and musculoskeletal injuries. More than training in manual handling skills is required to reduce injury rates in workers regularly required to undertake manual handling tasks. Physical exercise training improves the workability index of healthcare workers, however, there has yet to be an established practice for the role and benefits of exercise in the paramedic workforce in the UK.

Therefore, the proposed project aims to:

1. identify current practices and intervention approaches to reduce musculoskeletal injury risk in paramedics
2. co-develop an exercise intervention for paramedics through an iterative process utilising a range of PPI activities with relevant stakeholders, and
3. assess the feasibility and acceptability of the co-developed intervention.

We would encourage applicants from a paramedic or health care professional background looking to move into research, or a candidate with a background in Sport and Exercise Science and related fields. Experience with qualitative research methods would be an advantage but not essential.

To address the project aims it is anticipated the successful candidate would conduct the following programme of research:

1. A systematic review of current evidence of interventions to reduce MSK injuries and improve paramedics' physical preparedness.
2. Iterative co-development of an exercise intervention with relevant stakeholders using focus groups or interviews and a qualitative survey to explore the physical tasks required in the role, views on the role of physical health and fitness, perceived barriers to exercise and preferences on exercise type and delivery.
3. A single-arm feasibility and acceptability trial of the co-developed intervention with practicing paramedics.