Author: Elaine Bell
Bell, Elaine, 2021 Spontaneous interprofessional learning in the acute health care setting: a micro-sociological exploration, Flinders University, College of Medicine and Public Health
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My thesis aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the concept of spontaneity, in the context of interprofessional learning in the acute healthcare setting. I focused on how health professionals learn with, from and about each other through a micro-sociological lens; centred around Erving Goffman’s theories of micro-sociology; sociocultural learning theory; and symbolic interactionism.
Spontaneous interprofessional learning in the acute health care setting was revealed to be a complex matrix of knowledge, skills and practice. For a spontaneous interaction to result in learning, I found that reflection in and on practice needed to occur. Reflection mostly occurred when the information being shared during a spontaneous interaction was relevant to patient needs.
Time was found to be a limited resource, and as such minimised opportunities for engaging in reflection. Therefore, a deeper understanding of spontaneous interprofessional learning could transform the acute healthcare setting into a vibrant hotbed of learning.
Keywords: Interprofessional learning, spontaneous, micro-sociology, Erving Goffman, sociocultural learning, acute healthcare, qualitative research
Subject: Health Service Management thesis
Thesis type: Doctor of Philosophy
Completed: 2021
School: College of Medicine and Public Health
Supervisor: Professor Paul Ward