Towards effective teamwork: an examination of the perceptions of interprofessional teamwork and continuing education needs amongst primary health care providers in rural Newfoundland

• Main Author: Brown, Heather M.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2005
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/10216/; https://research.library.mun.ca/10216/1/Brown_HeatherM.pdf

In this thesis, the author will describe a research project that examined the perceptions of rural primary health care providers pertaining to collaborative practice, professional development and continuing education needs. The methodology included analyzing data collected through semi structured interviews with a purposive sample of primary health care team members in the Connaigre Peninsula Primary Health Care Project. As well, secondary data collected by the Provincial Office of Primary Health Care was also utilized. This paper will discuss participant's perceptions of the barriers to collaborative practice in their region including the challenges of the geography of the region, ineffective communication and knowledge deficits related to primary health care teams and interprofessional practice. It will also discuss recommendations to overcome these barriers and enhance interprofessional teamwork through continuing education and effective communication technology.