Developing theory and practice: Creation of a Community of Practice through Action Research produced excellence in stroke care
2011

Creating a Community of Practice to Improve Stroke Care

Sample size: 40 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cherry Kilbride, Perry Lin, Mary Flatley, Emma Turner, Julienne Meyer

Primary Institution: Brunel University

Hypothesis

Can the creation of a Community of Practice (CoP) improve the quality of stroke care?

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that establishing a Community of Practice significantly enhances the quality of stroke care through collaborative efforts and shared knowledge.

Supporting Evidence

  • Staff collaboration improved significantly after the establishment of the Community of Practice.
  • The stroke team received a national award for their improved performance in stroke care.
  • Regular meetings fostered trust and communication among team members.
  • Educational programs enhanced the knowledge and skills of the staff involved in stroke care.

Takeaway

This study shows that when healthcare workers come together to share ideas and learn from each other, they can provide better care for stroke patients.

Methodology

The study used Action Research to explore the development of a new Stroke Unit and the processes involved in creating a Community of Practice.

Potential Biases

The insider role of the lead researcher may introduce bias in data interpretation.

Limitations

The study was conducted in a single location, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other settings.

Participant Demographics

The study involved a diverse group of healthcare professionals including nurses, physiotherapists, and doctors, primarily from a large NHS teaching hospital.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3109/13561820.2010.483024

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