A process oriented approach to promoting collaborative practice: Incorporating complexity methods

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Systems Science
• Complexity Science in Healthcare
• Interprofessional Collaboration

Background:

• Complexity informed methods are emerging as a strategy for healthcare system transformation.
• Applying complexity science to healthcare delivery is a recent development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore participant perceptions of a complexity informed educational approach.
• To assess the impact of this approach on interprofessional collaboration in pediatric disability care.

Main Methods:

• A one-year educational intervention involving workshops and facilitated discussion groups.
• Utilized complexity sciences principles focusing on small-scale interaction for problem-solving.
• Qualitative data collected through interviews and focus groups with participants and facilitators.

Main Results:

• Participants reported tangible benefits from the process-oriented approach.
• Challenges were noted regarding the lack of structure and the emergent nature of the methods.
• The approach fostered discovery and shared problem-solving.

Conclusions:

• Gradual adoption of emergent methods is recommended.
• Fostering early ownership and providing ongoing facilitator training are crucial.
• Flexibility and the use of small-group scenarios enhance the process.