Implementation of Virtual Communities of Practice in Healthcare to Improve Capability and Capacity: A 10-Year Scoping Review

Louise Shaw, Dana Jazayeri, Debra Kiegaldie and Meg E. Morris
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Louise Shaw: Faculty of Health Science, Youth and Community Studies, Holmesglen Institute, 488 South Road, Moorabbin, VIC 3189, Australia
Dana Jazayeri: Academic and Research Collaborative in Health, SAHHS, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
Debra Kiegaldie: Faculty of Health Science, Youth and Community Studies, Holmesglen Institute, 488 South Road, Moorabbin, VIC 3189, Australia
Meg E. Morris: Academic and Research Collaborative in Health, SAHHS, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 13, 1-13

Abstract: Virtual communities of practice consist of individuals who use a common online platform to share professional expertise and experiences. In healthcare settings a virtual community of practice (VCoP) can optimise knowledge, skills, and the implementation of evidence-based practice. To ensure effective knowledge synthesis and translation into practice, it is essential to clarify the best methods for designing and implementing VCoPs within healthcare organisations. This scoping review aimed to identify the methods used to establish and facilitate online or digitally enabled communities of practice within healthcare organisations across the globe. Six online databases identified papers published from January 2010 to October 2020. Papers were independently screened by two reviewers using Covidence. Data were captured and analysed using a data extraction chart in Covidence. Twenty-four publications that detail methods for establishing a VCoP in healthcare were included. Few studies used a framework to establish a VCoP. It was difficult to identify details regarding methods of development and key elements such as roles, how they were coordinated, and types of technology used. Healthcare organisations can benefit from using a standardised framework for the establishment, implementation and evaluation of VCoPs to improve practice, staff engagement, and knowledge sharing.

Keywords: implementation; education; health professional; quality; safety; evidence-based practice; digital technology; allied health; health services; nursing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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