High-quality care asks for a system where care is delivered within a multidisciplinary network around the patient. This project explores how GP-trainees can be better prepared for multidisciplinary networked healthcare (MNH) by examining workplace learning opportunities for MNH during training at general practices and the perceived value of emergent ego-centric networks. In addition, this project investigates how postgraduate institutes can optimize these learning opportunities for GP-trainees.

Background information

More and better multidisciplinary collaboration of professionals within a network around the patient is essential and expected to become the standard in the Dutch healthcare system. This requires knowledge on the preparation of professionals for collaboration with physicians from different disciplines within networks. While formal education formats about multidisciplinary collaboration for GP-trainees are available, their connection with the workplace is missing. It is still unclear whether GP-trainees can participate in multidisciplinary activities at the workplace to enhance their learning towards MHN around the patient.

Project description

A study was conducted to understand the opportunities that GP-trainees have for learning in a multidisciplinary network at the workplace and how they mobilise the social capital within these networks. Data was collected through interviews with 27 GP-supervisors and with 24 third-year GP-trainees. This resulted in both quantitative and qualitative data. The insights gathered are currently being analysed and the results will be the groundwork for follow-up studies on this subject.

Aims

This project aims to develop knowledge on how to prepare advanced GP-trainees for working in multidisciplinary networked healthcare and provide person-centred care.

Results & Conclusions

The data from this project is currently being analysed. With the available network data, images of the respondents’ networks were made, and these images have already been used in several contexts. For example, in separate training days for GP-supervisors and GP-trainees. This is a first step in using the results of the project to prepare trainees for working in these networks by both training them and their supervisors. The visualisations have also been used in smaller (multidisciplinary) meetings in primary care. Additionally, insights from the quantitative network analysis benefit ongoing primary care studies.

References

• Scaratti, G., Ivaldi, S., & Frassy, J. (2017). Networking and knotworking practices: work integration as situated social process. Journal of workplace learning, 29(1), 2–23.
• Birkett, M., Melville, J., Janulis, P., Phillips, G., Contractor, N., & Hogan, B. (2021). Network Canvas: Key decisions in the design of an interviewer-assisted network data collection software suite. Social Networks, 66, 114-124.
• Nimmon, L., & Atherley, A. (2022). Qualitative ego networks in health professions education: Capturing the self in relation to others. Medical education 56(1), 71-81.
• Vacca, R. (2024, 20 juni).Egocentric network analysis with R.
• Fjeldstad, Ø. D., Johnson, J. K., Margolis, P. A., Seid, M., Höglund. P., & Batalden, P. B. (2020). Networked health care: Rethinking value creation in learning health care systems. Learning Health Systems, 4(2).