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


METHODS
The program of research will examine in four inter-related, prospective studies, progress with IPL and IPP across tertiary education providers, professional education, regulatory and registration bodies, the ACT health system's streams of care activities and teams, units and wards of the provider facilities of the ACT health system. One key focus will be on push-pull mechanisms, ie, how the education sector creates student-enabled IPP and the health sector demands IPL-oriented practitioners. The studies will examine four research aims and meet 20 research project objectives in a comprehensive evaluation of ongoing progress with IPL and IPP.


CONCLUSIONS
IPP and IPL are said to be cornerstones of health system reforms. We will measure progress across an entire health system and the clinical and professional education systems that feed into it. The value of multi-methods, partnership research and a bi-directional push-pull model of IPL and IPP will be tested. Widespread dissemination of results to practitioners, policymakers, managers and researchers will be a key project goal.
Braithwaite
Jeffrey
J
Centre for Clinical Governance Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, 10 Arthur St, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia. j.braithwaite@unsw.edu.au
Westbrook
Johanna I
JI
Foxwell
A Ruth
AR
Boyce
Rosalie
R
Devinney
Timothy
T
Budge
Marc
M
Murphy
Karen
K
Ryall
Mary-Ann
MA
Beutel
Jenny
J
Vanderheide
Rebecca
R
Renton
Elizabeth
E
Travaglia
Joanne
J
Stone
Judy
J
Barnard
Amanda
A
Greenfield
David
D
Corbett
Angus
A
Nugus
Peter
P
Clay-Williams
Robyn
R
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D020958:Australian Capital Territory; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D040381:Education, Public Health Professional / Q000379:methods*; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007858:Learning; D017145:Models, Educational; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000193:education*; D018511:Systems Integration