title: Stimulating program implementation via a Community of Practice: a responsive evaluation of care programs for frail older people in the Netherlands.
abstract: Evaluation is often used as a vehicle to improve program implementation. To evaluate the implementation of programs that provide care for frail older people a Community of Practice (CoP) was developed in the Netherlands. The purpose of this paper is to describe and reflect on the role of a CoP in the implementation of these programs. Using a responsive evaluation approach this study was based on interviews with participating stakeholders and transcripts of the CoP meetings with 13 professionals, project managers and patient representatives. Findings showed that CoP members had unanticipated concerns regarding the pro-active approach of the programs and older people not being open to receiving care. The heterogenic composition was appreciated and fostered learning. A social infrastructure was created for active learning inside and outside the CoP. We conclude that a CoP is a useful strategy as part of an evaluation aimed at improving program implementation. Lessons learned include the importance of creating ownership among CoP members by sharing responsibilities and paying attention to the heterogenic group composition and professional language spoken to involve all members.
authors: Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: j.bindels@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Bindels
authors: Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands; Fontys University of Applied Sciences, School of Nursing, P.O. Box 347, 5600 AH Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Electronic address: k.cox@fontys.nl.
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Cox
authors: Department of Medical Humanities, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vu University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Van der Boeschorststraat 7, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: g.widdershoven@vumc.nl.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Widdershoven
authors: Department of General Practice, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: onno.vanschayck@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
authors: C P
authors: CP
authors: van Schayck
authors: Department of Medical Humanities, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Vu University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Van der Boeschorststraat 7, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: t.abma@vumc.nl.
authors: T A
authors: TA
authors: Abma
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation
keywords: Communities of practice; Frailty; Implementation; Older people; Responsive evaluation; Situated learning