A cross-sectional study of paramedics' readiness for interprofessional learning and cooperation: results from five universities.

Introduction: Healthcare systems are evolving to feature the promotion of interprofessional practice more prominently. The development of successful and functional interprofessional practice is best achieved through interprofessional learning. Given that most paramedic programmes take an isolative uni-professional educational approach to their healthcare undergraduate courses, serious questions must be raised as to whether students are being adequately prepared for the interprofessional healthcare workplace.

Trends and challenges in the management of tracheostomy in older people: the need for a multidisciplinary team approach.

The trend towards increasing representation of older people as recipients of health care in acute care settings is matched with a corresponding increase in the numbers of older people undergoing tracheostomy.The reasons for tracheostomy in this age group are varied, including respiratory failure, neurological injury/event and carcinomas. Further, current research supports early tracheostomy for patients requiring medium to long-term ventilation and unconscious patients at risk of airway obstruction.