The Common Learning Programme
The Common Learning Programme (2002-2005) was a collaborative initiative based within the School of Medical Education Development. The programme involved the universities of Northumbria, Teesside and Newcastle in partnership with the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear SHA and the County Durham and Tees Valley SHA. As one of four leading edge sites funded by the Department of Health, the programme aimed to promote, develop and evaluate practice-based interprofessional education for health and social care students.
The programme encouraged students and clinical educators to use the learning opportunities provided by the management of existing patients, often with complex health problems, or at a point of transition. Initial work with service users and carers indicated that these are often the points of breakdown between professionals. The programme was intended to enhance interprofessional skills, and reinforce the acquisition and development of the required personal and professional attributes that underpin relationships and good team working. For more detailed information see the final report.
Realistic Evaluation (Pawson & Tilley, 1997) formed the framework for the evaluation of the programme. A multi method case study approach was used. Data collection included interviews, observations, questionnaires, reflective logs and diary sheets.
Specific objectives included:
- to describe and develop an understanding of the structure, organisation and running of the sessions (the mechanisms)
- to describe the contexts within which the sessions take place
- to identify, describe and assess a range of outcomes of the initiatives
- to explore the perceptions of those involved including: students, facilitators and clinical educators or mentors.
For further developments in interprofessional education for health and social care please see the CETL4healthNE website.
Main contact
Dr Pauline Pearson, Programme Manager, medev@ncl.ac.uk
