The ECLECTIC study aims to improve teamwork and collaboration among Community Specialist Teams that provide care for older people in Ireland. This is part of the Enhanced Community Care National Integrated Care Programme for Older People. Ensuring that healthcare professionals work well together, both within their own teams and with other teams or organisations, is crucial for effective community-based care.
This Knowledge Translation proposal seeks to create resources recommended by the ECLECTIC study to help professionals in community specialist teams better understand their roles. This understanding will enhance teamwork, collaboration, and care delivery.
The project uses a co-design model, involving active participation from all stakeholders. This includes older people, family carers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers. The project also engages members of the 30 existing community specialist teams and senior policymakers from the Enhanced Community Care National Integrated Care Programme for Older People and Higher Education Institutes.
Key Activities of the Project
Educational Card Game (PlayDecide):
A co-designed card game will help team members discuss and understand their professional roles and those of others. This interactive game promotes role awareness and clarity. Furthermore, it can be used repeatedly for local team training.
In-Service Team Development Seminars:
Using the card game, a one-day seminar for all 30 community teams will foster team reflection, learning, knowledge sharing, and networking. Each team will receive a card game pack and instructions for ongoing training.
Knowledge Exchange Symposium:
A symposium will discuss reforming education and training for healthcare professionals to improve collaboration within and across teams. Small group discussions will identify curriculum reform priorities and recommendations.
Importance of the Project
This project supports national policies to improve healthcare education and practices, promoting better-integrated care for older people through enhanced coordination and collaboration.