Collaborative partnerships: bridging the knowledge practice gap in client-centred care in mental health
The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice
ISSN: 1755-6228
Article publication date: 9 March 2015
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a partnership, the Ryerson-Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Collaborative for Client-Centred and Family Sensitive Care Collaborative, between an urban university and tertiary care mental health facility to build capacity in using research evidence to support client-centred care. A cornerstone of the partnership was a study exploring the connection between effective interprofessional collaboration and the capacity to provide exemplary client-centred care in mental health.
Design/methodology/approach
The Collaborative brings together organizations with shared values and a commitment to client-centred interprofessional care. It is a strategic approach in amplifying opportunities for the uptake of research evidence and knowledge transfer. One of the principal deliverables for the Collaborative was a multi-phased study exploring the relationship between team collaboration and client-centred care.
Findings
Research findings identified a significant association between the level of team effectiveness and collaboration and the staffs’ perceived capacity to deliver client-centred care. Client and family member perspectives highlighted the importance of interprofessional team functioning and collaboration. The work of the Collaborative helped narrow the knowledge practice gap through: a research practicum to mentor graduate students; knowledge exchange and dissemination; and working with advanced practice staff to support change within the organization.
Originality/value
Inter-organizational relationships, such as the Collaborative, support initiatives that accelerate the use of clinically relevant research and bridge the knowledge practice gap. A university/tertiary care teaching facility partnership represents a promising model for advancing and disseminating evidenced-based knowledge.
Keywords
Citation
McCay, E., Cleverley, K., Danaher, A. and Mudachi, N. (2015), "Collaborative partnerships: bridging the knowledge practice gap in client-centred care in mental health", The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 51-60. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-07-2014-0018
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited