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BMC Health Services Research

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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Exploring role clarity in interorganizational spread and scale-up initiatives: the ‘INSPIRED’ COPD collaborative

Authors: Olivia Ly, Shannon L. Sibbald, Jennifer Y. Verma, Graeme M. Rocker

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Role clarification is consistently documented as a challenging process for inter professional healthcare teams, despite being a core tenet of interprofessional collaboration. This paper explores the role clarification process in two previously unexplored contexts: i) in the dissemination phase of a quality improvement (QI) program, and ii) as part of interorganizational partnerships for the care of chronic disease patients.

Methods

A secondary analysis using asynchronous purposive coding was conducted on an innovative pan-Canadian Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease QI program.

Results

Our study reveals that the iterative structure of QI initiatives in the spread phase can offer numerous unique benefits to role clarification, with the potential challenge of time commitment. In addition, the role clarification process within interorganizational partnerships proved to be relatively well-structured, characterized by three phases: relationship conceptualization or early contact, familiarization, and finally, role division. Common strategies in the last stage included the establishment of working groups and new information-sharing networks.

Conclusion

This article characterizes some ways in which providers and organizational partners negotiate their roles in a changing professional environment. As the movement towards integrated care continues, issues of role clarity are assuming increasing importance in healthcare contexts, and understanding role dynamics can provide valuable insight into the optimization of QI initiatives.

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Title: Exploring role clarity in interorganizational spread and scale-up initiatives: the ‘INSPIRED’ COPD collaborative
Authors: Olivia Ly
Shannon L. Sibbald
Jennifer Y. Verma
Graeme M. Rocker
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3474-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Exploring role clarity in interorganizational spread and scale-up initiatives: the ‘INSPIRED’ COPD collaborative

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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