The Use of a Modified Delphi Technique to Inform the Development of Best Practice in Interprofessional Training for Collaborative Primary Healthcare

Abstract

Background: Primary healthcare (PHC) education and training is directed to a diverse range of health professionals at undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional levels. Increasing emphasis is being placed on PHC professionals working together in delivering better care and improving patient outcomes. This article reports on using a modified Delphi technique to determine the level of consensus on a series of statements across four domains of interprofessional education (IPE) for collaborative practice: big picture, organization, capabilities, teaching, and learning.

Methods and Findings: The modified Delphi technique used three Delphi rounds: the first round comprising workshops, interviews, or online survey; the remaining rounds used online surveys. A panel of 56 PHC medical, nursing, allied health, and workforce experts participated. There was consensus on a set of capabilities for interprofessional learning outcomes and on a range of teaching and learning strategies. Areas for further consideration included identifying interprofessional training opportunities through continuing professional development, and tailoring team-based approaches to diverse PHC settings.

Conclusion: The modified Delphi technique used in this project demonstrated a successful engagement of a heterogeneous panel of PHC experts. The principles of IPE for collaborative practice and strategies for delivering interprofessional training could apply across various PHC settings.