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Effective interprofessional collaboration in rural contexts: a research protocol
Author(s) -
Mitchell Rebecca,
Paliadelis Penelope,
McNeil Karen,
Parker Vicki,
Giles Michelle,
Higgins Isabel,
Parmenter Glenda,
Ahrens Yvonne
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of advanced nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.948
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1365-2648
pISSN - 0309-2402
DOI - 10.1111/jan.12083
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , interprofessional education , workforce , rural health , protocol (science) , rural management , focus group , rural area , work (physics) , medicine , health care , medical education , nursing , sociology , political science , alternative medicine , rural development , geography , mechanical engineering , archaeology , pathology , engineering , anthropology , law , agriculture
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.