Evaluation of a shared approach to interprofessional learning about stroke self-management

Abstract

This article describes an evaluation of interprofessional training in a stroke self-management program (SSMP) for health and social care professionals. Sixty-six practitioners from 8 teams and 11 professions received training. The aim was to evaluate the impact of the interprofessional training on participants' beliefs and attitudes to self-management and collaboration and knowledge sharing throughout the stroke pathway. Methods included contextual mapping of the stroke pathway, before and after questionnaires, analysis of practitioners' case reflections on their use of the SSMP and semi-structured interviews. Overall, practitioners' attitudes and beliefs about self-management had changed post-training, and the majority felt the program could be used successfully throughout the stroke pathway. Practitioners felt that the interprofessional training had led to a more consistent approach to supporting self-management and had improved communication between teams about patients/goals. The project provided the opportunity for interprofessional teams to explore beliefs and attitudes to changes in practice together.

Keywords::

• Collaboration
• evaluation research
• interprofessional evaluation
• patient-centered practice
• self-management
• stroke

Acknowledgements

The Kingston stroke pathway project was funded by the South West London Academic Health and Social Care Network.