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Abstract

French

Background.

It is imperative that therapists keep pace with relevant knowledge and reflect on their practice. Community of practice (CoP) sessions provide clinicians with a forum to share stories, exchange information, and foster scholarly practice. Studies on CoPs in health care are limited.

Purpose.

The purpose of this study was to explore the enablers and barriers to participation in CoPs.

Method.

Occupational therapists and physiotherapists in a school health program participated in a questionnaire (n = 18) and semi-structured interviews (n = 14). Analyses were completed using descriptive statistics (questionnaires) and interpretative phenomenological analysis (interviews).

Findings.

Six themes describing participation in CoPs emerged: structure–engagement, learning, growth–becoming, fellowship–belonging, implementation–doing, and contributing–influencing. The findings highlight the importance of situated learning, reflection, and creativity to influence practice through discussions of ideas, research, and resources in small supportive groups of like-minded individuals with an informal, self-directed structure.

Implications.

Features to consider when implementing CoPs in the workplace are discussed.

Keywords

Allied health personnel Clinical competence Community networks Evidence-based practice Learning apprentissage compétence clinique personnel paramédical pratique fondée sur les données probantes réseaux communautaires

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Communities of practice: Exploring enablers and barriers with school health clinicians

Abstract

Background.

Purpose.

Method.

Findings.

Implications.

Keywords

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References

Supplementary Material