title: 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.
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: 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
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Braithwaite
authors.forename: Johanna I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Westbrook
authors.forename: A Ruth
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Foxwell
authors.forename: Rosalie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Boyce
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Devinney
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Budge
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: Mary-Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ryall
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Beutel
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vanderheide
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Renton
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Travaglia
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barnard
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Greenfield
authors.forename: Angus
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Corbett
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nugus
authors.forename: Robyn
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Clay-Williams
mesh_terms: 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