Effective interprofessional collaboration in rural contexts: a research protocol

Title
Effective interprofessional collaboration in rural contexts: a research protocol
Publication Date
2013
Author(s)
Mitchell, Rebecca
Paliadelis, Penelope S
McNeil, Karen
Parker, Vicki T
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0834-9528
Email: vparker3@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:vparker3
Giles, Michelle
Higgins, Isabel
Parmenter, Glenda
Ahrens, Yvonne
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Place of publication
United Kingdom
DOI
10.1111/jan.12083
UNE publication id
une:14416
Abstract
Aim. To describe the research protocol that will be used to investigate factors contributing to effective interprofessional practice in a rural context in Australia. Background. Interprofessional practice is a key strategy for overcoming rural health challenges; however, our knowledge of interprofessional initiatives and consequences in rural areas is limited. Design. A modified realistic evaluation approach will be used to explore the structures, systems, and social processes contributing to effective interprofessional outcomes. This 'context-mechanism-outcome' approach provides a useful framework for identifying why and how interprofessional practice works in rural contexts. Method. Initial propositions regarding the factors that explain effective collaborative practice will be generated through interviews with lead clinicians, policy-makers, and clinician managers. Clinician interviews, document analysis, and multi-participant focus groups will be used as evidence to support, refine, or redevelop the initial propositions. This will allow the development of a model of rural interprofessional practice that will explain how and why collaborative approaches work in rural environments. This study is funded by an Institute of Rural Clinical Services and Teaching grant (January 2010). Discussion. Rural healthcare challenges are well documented; however, studies investigating the nature of interprofessional practice in rural contexts are not common. Rural contexts also present research design, particularly data collection, challenges. This proposed research is one of the first to identify the factors that facilitate or constrain effective interprofessional work in rural settings. This is particularly important, given the continuing workforce shortages and maldistribution and poorer health outcomes in rural communities globally.
Link
Citation
Journal of Advanced Nursing, 69(10), p. 2317-2326
ISSN
1365-2648
0309-2402
Start page
2317
End page
2326

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