Facilitating an action learning community of practice in the delivery of an interprofessional education programme in care homes

This paper presents insights into the experiences of supporting Action Learning Communities of Practice to deliver an interprofessional training scheme in care homes for older people. It draws on original interview data with facilitators in which they discussed their experiences of taking part in Action Learning Community of Practice sets held over separate cycles of a longitudinal study. The role of facilitators on interprofessional education programmes delivered in the care home sector receives little attention despite its potential to build capacity, resilience and the sustainability of interprofessional education. This paper presents novel insights into how care home staff, supported by academics, can successfully transition into facilitator roles through legitimate peripheral participation to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of interprofessional training schemes. Used in the delivery of student training in the care home sector, and with appropriate facilitation, Action Learning Communities of Practice can be beneficial to care home staff, service delivery and care quality.