Multi-agency training for quality: reflections and recommendations.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Management
• Interprofessional Education

Background:

• National Health Service (NHS) clinical governance and local authority best value initiatives mandate evidence-based decision-making.
• A need exists for closer collaboration between NHS Trusts and local government departments to improve health outcomes.
• Existing organizational structures and cultures pose challenges to implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) across public sector organizations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe lessons learned from planning and delivering a multi-agency, interprofessional training event on evidence-based practice (EBP).
• To facilitate a closer working relationship between NHS Trusts and local government departments.
• To provide insights for other organizations undertaking similar EBP implementation projects.

Main Methods:

• A case study approach was adopted to critically reflect on the planning and delivery of the training event.
• The event involved multiple agencies and professionals across three boroughs in Tyne and Wear.
• Qualitative reflection on the experiences of planning and delivery was central to the methodology.

Main Results:

• Introducing EBP concepts and fostering an evaluative culture across public sector organizations is a significant challenge.
• Partnership working between different agencies offers advantages for developing quality improvement systems.
• Key lessons were identified regarding the practicalities of interagency EBP training and implementation.

Conclusions:

• Multi-agency collaboration is beneficial for health improvement initiatives but requires careful planning and management.
• Overcoming organizational and cultural barriers is crucial for successful EBP implementation in the public sector.
• The lessons learned from this case study can inform future efforts to embed EBP in interprofessional and interagency settings.