Implementing an interprofessional model of self-management support across a community workforce: A mixed-methods...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Public Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Self-management support (SMS) is crucial for managing complex long-term conditions, yet implementation strategies require further investigation.
• Existing healthcare models often struggle to integrate effective SMS into routine community-based care.
• Interprofessional collaboration is recognized as a potential facilitator for enhancing patient support services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the practical implementation of an interprofessional model of SMS (Bridges Self-Management) in community rehabilitation and social care.
• To assess the impact of interprofessional training on healthcare professionals' capacity to deliver SMS.
• To understand the experiences of service users receiving SMS within this integrated model.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study with a qualitative emphasis was conducted.
• Over 90 professionals received interprofessional training on integrating SMS.
• Data were collected through staff feedback, group discussions, surveys, and qualitative interviews and questionnaires with 10 service users.

Main Results:

• Staff reported positive experiences with interprofessional learning, increased knowledge, and confidence in supporting self-management.
• Professionals noted changes in their interactions with service users and colleagues.
• Service user data indicated increased confidence and improved self-management skills due to staff interactions.

Conclusions:

• Interprofessional training can effectively enhance SMS delivery in multi-agency community teams for individuals with long-term conditions.
• This approach fosters a shared understanding of SMS and integrates effective strategies into daily practice.
• The study highlights the importance of organizational support for facilitating SMS.