Developing a framework to improve information and digital literacy in a bachelor of paramedic science entry-to-practice program

Abstract

The aims of this research were threefold: (1) explore the perceptions of paramedic educators regarding information literacy education (ILE); (2) reveal the information literacy (IL) abilities of paramedic science students; and (3) develop an integrated IL framework for paramedicine. Two key findings arose from this research. First, paramedic educators need to include higher functions of synthesis and creative thinking in ILE. Second, ILE needs to be mapped and scaffolded to incrementally develop these skills across each year of the program. The results informed the development of a programwide ILE framework implemented in 2019 and to be evaluated in 2021.