Metacognition is an abstract concept that has been described in many ways. The relationship between pre-hospital care and the elements of clinical reasoning is readily apparent with an examination of the evolution of the field and the challenges that are faced. The scope of these skills as the well as the form of medical control utilised varies from service to service. Paramedics initially would only employ interventions after a direct radio or telephone consultation with a physician, on-line medical control. This approach requires the paramedic to utilise the elements of the clinical reasoning process as decisions are made regarding under which protocol a patient will be treated.
Autonomy places a great emphasis on the value of metacognition.
The value of the study of metacognition to pre-hospital care is the opportunity it represents for moving paramedicine toward respected professional practice. There are other benefits to the study of metacognition by pre-hospital providers. The relation between metacognition and higher education is clear. The evolution of the pre-hospital field has necessitated a move towards the higher education, reflective practice and higher cognitive skills such as metacognition which are associated with other professions. Journal of Advanced Nursing.