Feasibility testing of an interprofessional education intervention to support collaborative practice in home care for older stroke survivors with multiple chronic conditions

This mixed-methods study examined the feasibility of implementing a new six-month, theory-based, interprofessional education intervention, and explored its effects and impact on collaborative practice among home care providers caring for older adult stroke survivors (>= 65) with multiple chronic conditions. The evaluation utilized a qualitative descriptive and one group repeated measures design which included participant questionnaires, focus groups and field notes. Participants included 37 home care providers (registered nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, personal support workers, care coordinators, and their supervisors) in Ontario, Canada. The intervention was feasible and acceptable to home care providers. Perceived benefits included improved communication and collaboration within teams, enhanced role understanding, increased learning with and from each other, and increased appreciation of all team members' expertise. From 3 to 6 months post initial IPE training, there was a statistically significant improvement in three domains of collaborative practice as measured by the Collaborative Practice Assessment Tool (communication/information exchange; community linkage and coordination of care; decision-making and conflict management) and one domain of collaborative practice, as measured by the 19-item Team Climate Inventory (task orientation). Implications for implementing interprofessional education in home care practice settings are described. Further testing in other populations and settings is warranted.