An action research protocol to strengthen system-wide inter-professional learning and practice [LP0775514]

Abstract

Background: Inter-professional learning (IPL) and inter-professional practice (IPP) are thought to be critical determinants of effective care, improved quality and safety and enhanced provider morale, yet few empirical studies have demonstrated this. Whole-of-system research is even less prevalent. We aim to provide a four year, multi-method, multi-collaborator action research program of IPL and IPP in defined, bounded health and education systems located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The project is funded by the Australian Research Council under its industry Linkage Program.

Factors that shape the development of interprofessional improvement initiatives in health organisations

“…Evidence to accomplish the aim is drawn from a large-scale longitudinal study seeking to improve interprofessional practice (IPP) through increased interprofessional learning (IPL) 21 22. The setting is a politically autonomous jurisdiction providing healthcare to a population of nearly 500 000 people, encompassing three domains: a health service, incorporating 5000 managers, clinicians and policymakers; some 400 health academics in university settings; and 71 professional associations with an estimated 300 staff.…”

“…The setting is a politically autonomous jurisdiction providing healthcare to a population of nearly 500 000 people, encompassing three domains: a health service, incorporating 5000 managers, clinicians and policymakers; some 400 health academics in university settings; and 71 professional associations with an estimated 300 staff. A purpose-designed study protocol22 and research tool21 to engage participants have been developed for the longitudinal study. As detailed in the protocol, the longitudinal study is seeking to achieve improvements in communication, collaboration, professional relationships, team work and the integration of services 22.…”

“…A purpose-designed study protocol22 and research tool21 to engage participants have been developed for the longitudinal study. As detailed in the protocol, the longitudinal study is seeking to achieve improvements in communication, collaboration, professional relationships, team work and the integration of services 22. The partners are using action research to drive a process of collaborative enquiry 23.…”

Auditing an organization's interprofessional learning and interprofessional practice: The interprofessional praxis audit framework (IPAF)

“…An organizational cultural assessment is used to examine the interprofessional social processes of the organization. Rounding out the audit variables are three core organizational (Johnson et al, 2001;McKee et al, 2008;Robbins et al, 2001) and IPL-IPP (Braithwaite & Travaglia, 2005a;Braithwaite et al, 2007) constructs: conduct (behaviour), attitudes (beliefs, values and philosophies) and information (identification, representation and distribution). A conduct (integration and interaction) assessment is undertaken to detail organizationally structured and unstructured interprofessional behaviours.…”

Visualising differences in professionals' perspectives on quality and safety

“…The aim of the study, a defined part of a larger research project,19 was to elicit and visualise participants' understanding of their professional practice within an interprofessional context. As Greenhalgh and Hurwitz20 argue:

Language comes saturated with earlier meaning derived from other contexts of use.

…”