Kathryn Eastwood1, Malcolm J Boyle, Brett Williams. 1. Monash University, Department of Community Emergency Health and Paramedic Practice, Frankston 3199, Victoria, Australia. kathryn.eastwood@monash.edu
Abstract
AIM: The objective of this study was to determine if undergraduate paramedics could accurately perform common drug calculations and basic mathematical computations normally required in the workplace. METHOD: A descriptive paper-based questionnaire collecting demographical data, student attitudes regarding their drug calculation performance, and answers to a series of basic mathematical and drug calculation questions was administered to undergraduate paramedic students. RESULTS: The mean score was 39.5% with only 3.3% of students (n=3) scoring greater than 90%, and 63% (n=58) scoring 50% or less. Conceptual errors made up 48.5%, arithmetical 31.1% and computational 17.4%. CONCLUSION: This study suggests undergraduate paramedics have deficiencies in performing accurate calculations with conceptual errors indicating a fundamental lack of mathematical understanding.
AIM: The objective of this study was to determine if undergraduate paramedics could accurately perform common drug calculations and basic mathematical computations normally required in the workplace. METHOD: A descriptive paper-based questionnaire collecting demographical data, student attitudes regarding their drug calculation performance, and answers to a series of basic mathematical and drug calculation questions was administered to undergraduate paramedic students. RESULTS: The mean score was 39.5% with only 3.3% of students (n=3) scoring greater than 90%, and 63% (n=58) scoring 50% or less. Conceptual errors made up 48.5%, arithmetical 31.1% and computational 17.4%. CONCLUSION: This study suggests undergraduate paramedics have deficiencies in performing accurate calculations with conceptual errors indicating a fundamental lack of mathematical understanding.
Authors: Allen D Stevens; Caleb Hernandez; Seth Jones; Maria E Moreira; Jason R Blumen; Emily Hopkins; Margaret Sande; Katherine Bakes; Jason S Haukoos Journal: Resuscitation Date: 2015-08-03 Impact factor: 5.262