Action learning, a tool to improve interprofessional collaboration and promote change. Counsellors, general practitioners and the primary care team

Abstract

How can general practitioners learn how to collaborate with each other? Can counsellors and general practitioners work together to find solutions to some of the seemingly intractable problems of interprofessional co-operation? The problems are many and failure to resolve them frequently inhibits the development of effective counselling services in general practice. Action learning has been used for many years in many countries and in many environments by individuals who come together to learn and understand. They usually share common problems associated with their workplace, and the process of shared learning and understanding often leads to resolution of problems. Evidence is presented to demonstrate that despite the pilot nature of the study and the failure of the second group to complete the cycle of Action Learning meetings, many problems of interprofessional collaboration were identifed and solved by the counsellors and general practitioners who took part in the study guided by a skilled external facilitator. Two groups, each containing four pairs of counsellors and general practitioners, each pair from dzfferent practices, agreed to meet regularly at four to six weekly intervals over 6 8 months. The Action Learning Set format was adapted to identafj the problems besetting their interprofessional collaboration and to find acceptable solutions. Action Learning has been shown many times to promote change through shared learning and understanding which leads to action. The evidence presented demonstrates its worth in general practice. Evidence is presented which demonstrates changes in working practice and organisation. In addition, practical and acceptable policies were developed which enhanced service ejjiciency and interprofessional collaboration.