Feasibility testing of an interprofessional education intervention to support collaborative practice in home care for older stroke survivors with multiple chronic conditions

ABSTRACT

This mixed-methods study examined the feasibility of implementing a new six-month, theory-based, interprofessional education intervention, and explored its effects and impact on collaborative practice among home care providers caring for older adult stroke survivors (≥65) with multiple chronic conditions. The evaluation utilized a qualitative descriptive and one group repeated measures design which included participant questionnaires, focus groups and field notes. Participants included 37 home care providers (registered nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, personal support workers, care coordinators, and their supervisors) in Ontario, Canada. The intervention was feasible and acceptable to home care providers. Perceived benefits included improved communication and collaboration within teams, enhanced role understanding, increased learning with and from each other, and increased appreciation of all team members’ expertise. From 3 to 6 months post initial IPE training, there was a statistically significant improvement in three domains of collaborative practice as measured by the Collaborative Practice Assessment Tool (communication/information exchange; community linkage and coordination of care; decision-making and conflict management) and one domain of collaborative practice, as measured by the 19-item Team Climate Inventory (task orientation). Implications for implementing interprofessional education in home care practice settings are described. Further testing in other populations and settings is warranted.

KEYWORDS:

• Chronic conditions
• collaborative practice
• home care
• interprofessional education
• older adults
• stroke

Acknowledgments

The author acknowledges the support of her doctoral dissertation thesis committee from McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The author would like to thank the home care agencies and individual home care providers who participated in this study. Thank you for engaging in the study activities and providing valuable feedback on the intervention.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Aging, Community and Health Research Unit (Ontario MOHLTC Health System Research Fund Program, Grant #06669), Canadian Nurses Foundation, RNFOO, McMaster University School of Nursing, RNAO-Nursing Research Interest Group.

Notes on contributors

Sue Bookey-Bassett

Sue Bookey-Bassett is an Assistant Professor and a health services researcher at the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University.