title: Implementing an interprofessional model of self-management support across a community workforce: A mixed-methods evaluation study.
abstract: The importance of implementing self-management support (SMS) is now widely accepted, but questions remain as to how. In 2015, we facilitated the implementation of an interprofessional model of SMS (Bridges Self-Management) for people with complex multiple long-term conditions through community rehabilitation and social care services in one Southeast England locality. Over 90 professionals and support workers from this workforce received interprofessional training to integrate SMS into their care and rehabilitation interactions. This gave an opportunity to explore how SMS can be implemented in practice. We conducted a mixed-methods study with unequal weighting (qualitative emphasis), concurrent timing, and embedded design. Staff provided written feedback and case reflections, participated in group discussions, and completed a survey of self-management beliefs and attitudes. We recruited a convenience sample of 10 service users and conducted qualitative interviews and standardised questionnaires. Findings showed that staff appreciated and benefited from the interprofessional learning environment. Staff reported changes in their interactions with service users and colleagues and had gained knowledge and confidence to support individuals to self-manage. Data also highlighted the need to facilitate SMS practice at the level of service organisation. Service user data illustrated the impact of interactions with staff, and how SMS had increased service users' confidence and encouraged different skills to manage life with their conditions. This project has shown how multi-agency community teams can benefit from interprofessional training to enhance SMS for people living with long-term conditions, build a shared understanding of SMS, and integrate effective SMS strategies into everyday practices.
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education , Kingston University and St. George's, University of London , London , UK.|b Bridges Self-Management Limited , London , UK.
authors.forename: Stefan Tino
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Kulnik
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education , Kingston University and St. George's, University of London , London , UK.|b Bridges Self-Management Limited , London , UK.
authors.forename: Heide
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Pöstges
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education , Kingston University and St. George's, University of London , London , UK.|b Bridges Self-Management Limited , London , UK.
authors.forename: Lucinda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brimicombe
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education , Kingston University and St. George's, University of London , London , UK.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hammond
authors.affiliation: a Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education , Kingston University and St. George's, University of London , London , UK.|b Bridges Self-Management Limited , London , UK.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010346:Patient Care Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011340:Problem Solving; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012648:Self Care; D012947:Social Work / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Community rehabilitation; interprofessional education; long-term conditions; mixed-methods; self-management support; social care