Training the Next Generation of Diabetes Researchers: Evaluation of the Diabetes Action Canada Training and Mentoring Program.

BACKGROUND: The Diabetes Action Canada Training and Mentoring (DAC-TM) Program launched in June 2017, with the goal of building capacity in the next generation of diabetes researchers in Canada in patient-oriented research (POR). METHODS: We conducted a program evaluation of the DAC-TM program using a sequential, mixed-methods research design. RESULTS: Our analysis of 82 surveys and 22 in-depth interviews from a wide range of DAC-TM Program stakeholders revealed consistent patterns in experience with the program. The training sessions were perceived to be well-organized, convenient educational opportunities to gain new knowledge about POR and become integrated into a community of practice of POR researchers who study diabetes and its complications in Canada. The content of the training was perceived to be useful and relevant to participants, although improvements could be made to help address the training needs of the broader DAC community. There is broad support for and appreciation of the mentorship awards, which were perceived to be appropriately targeted to early-career investigators. The mentor-mentee relationships were perceived to be positive, productive and career-advancing overall, but could benefit from a more strategic design and promote better connectivity to foster mentor-mentee relationships. In addition, feedback about opportunities to network and forge new connections was mixed and represents another opportunity for improvement to strengthen capacity building. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this formative evaluation study show key strengths and opportunities to improve the DAC-TM Program, which can be used to help enhance its function and promote its long-term sustainability.

Key characteristics and critical junctures for successful Interprofessional networks in healthcare - a case study.

BACKGROUND: The use of networks in healthcare has been steadily increasing over the past decade. Healthcare networks reduce fragmented care, support coordination amongst providers and patients, improve health system efficiencies, support better patient care and improve overall satisfaction of both patients and healthcare professionals. There has been little research to date on the implementation, development and use of small localized networks. This paper describes lessons learned from a successful small localized primary care network in Southwestern Ontario that developed and implemented a regional respiratory care program (The ARGI Respiratory Health Program - ARGI is a not-for-profit corporation leading the implementation and evaluation of a respiratory health program. Respiratory therapists (who have a certified respiratory educators designation), care for patients from all seven of the network's FHTs. Patients rostered within the network of FHTs that have been diagnosed with a chronic respiratory disease are referred by their family physicians to the program. The RTs are integrated into the FHTs, and work in a triad along with patients and providers to educate and empower patients in self-management techniques, create exacerbation action plans, and act as a liaison between the patient's care providers. ARGI uses an eTool designed specifically for use by the network to assist care delivery, choosing education topics, and outcome tracking. RTs are hired by ARGI and are contracted to the participating FHTs in the network.). METHODS: This study used an exploratory case study approach. Data from four participant groups was collected using focus groups, observations, interviews and document analysis to develop a rich understanding of the multiple perspectives associated with the network. RESULTS: This network's success can be described by four characteristics (growth mindset and quality improvement focus; clear team roles that are strengths-based; shared leadership, shared success; and transparent communication); and five critical junctures (acknowledge a shared need; create a common vision that is flexible and adaptable depending on the context; facilitate empowerment; receive external validation; and demonstrate the impacts and success of their work). CONCLUSIONS: Networks are used in healthcare to act as integrative, interdisciplinary tools to connect individuals with the aim of improving processes and outcomes. We have identified four general lessons to be learned from a successful small and localized network: importance of clear, flexible, and strengths-based roles; need for shared goals and vision; value of team support and empowerment; and commitment to feedback and evaluations. Insight from this study can be used to support the development and successful implementation of other similar locally developed networks.