Shared learning in primary care: Participants' views of the benefits of this approach

Abstract

This is a study exploring participants' views regarding a series of shared or interprofessional learning sessions carried out in a primary care setting in Bradford, UK. One-hundred-and-twenty-four participants including doctors, practice nurses, nurse practitioners and health visitors attended six expert-led, case-based learning sessions on clinical topics relevant to their work. The evaluation of the sessions is presented, from questionnaire feedback including open responses. Participants had high expectations of shared learning, which was largely met in terms of sharing ideas regarding professional roles and sharing clinical knowledge and skills. Variations between professionals, and between sessions, are noted and discussed. It was concluded that shared or interprofessional learning in the workplace is valued by clinicians, can help improve understanding of professional roles and also enhance clinical learning.

Keywords:

• Interprofessional learning
• shared learning
• primary care