Developing a learning culture: twelve tips for individuals, teams and organizations

Abstract

A culture of learning in providing health services and education for health professionals is a constant challenge for individuals, team and organizations. The importance of such a culture was highlighted by the findings of the Bristol Royal Infirmary Inquiry (). This was discussed in the context of the literature on the Learning Organization (Senge, ) at the 2004 Association of Medical Education in Europe (AMEE) conference, and reviewed a year later at the 2005 AMEE conference. This paper outlines twelve tips for educational and health service organizations in facilitating a culture of learning for their members and also offers specific advice to individual students and professionals.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lynn Stinson

LYNN STINSON, MSc FCIPD, is Head of Teaching Trust at Bradford City Teaching Primary Care Trust, leading on the continued success of the tPCT work-streams and, in partnership with key stakeholders, establishing new and innovative approaches to addressing the challenges of recruitment, retention, motivation, education, learning and research in primary and community care in Bradford, England.

David Pearson

DAVID PEARSON, MA FRCGP MMedSc, is a salaried GP in Manningham, Bradford and the Director of Medical Education for Bradford City Teaching PCT. His role with the Teaching PCT involves the development of undergraduate teaching throughout the Bradford PCTs, leadership for educational initiatives that support recruitment and retention amongst clinicians within the tPCT, and developing opportunities for inter-professional education.

Beverley Lucas

BEVERLEY LUCAS, BSc(Hons) DipN (Lond) RMN RNT PhD, has a nursing background and curriculum development within Higher Education. Interests include service development, clinical educational research (reflective practice) and quality assurance in healthcare. As a research fellow within community and primary care (University of Bradford), current projects include medical students' perceptions of primary care education, interprofessional learning and hospice at home initiatives.