Practical Recommendations for Youth Care Professionals to Improve Evaluation and Reflection During Multidisciplinary Team Discussions: An Action Research Project

International Journal of Integrated Care, vol. 22, pp. 26

Abstract

Introduction: Integrated care for children and their families is often organized in multidisciplinary teams. In these teams, evaluation and reflection during Multidisciplinary Team Discussions (MTDs) are fundamental to learning, improving interprofessional collaboration, and increasing the quality of care. The effectiveness of MTDs varies widely in practice. Therefore, this study's objective was to identify facilitators and barriers for evaluation and reflection in MTDs, and concurrently formulate practical recommendations for professionals to improve their MTDs. Methods: This study's action research cycle consisted of a qualitative component to identify facilitators and barriers to evaluation and reflection in MTDs. We observed MTDs in multidisciplinary teams and interviewed professionals, parents, managers, and local policy makers. Concurrently, practical recommendations were iteratively developed during project team meetings, learning sessions, and a focus group. Results: Nine practical recommendations were formulated based on the identified facilitators and barriers, including preparatory activities to ensure purpose, timing, and relevant stakeholder involvement; specific points of attention during MTDs to ensure effectiveness; and tracking follow up steps after MTDs to ensure a learning process. Conclusion: The practical recommendations should be incorporated in daily practice to support professionals in Youth Care to increase satisfaction and improve effectiveness of evaluation and reflection during MTDs.

Authors 6

1. Laura A. Nooteboom corresponding Aachen LUMC Curium-Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   LUMC Curium - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center. Post Box 15, 2300 AA Leiden, The Netherlands

   LUMC Curium – Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center. Post Box 15, 2300 AA Leiden

2. Eva A. Mulder Aachen LUMC Curium-Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

   Amsterdam University Medical Centers · Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam · Leiden University Medical Center · Pluryn

   Affiliation as printed

   Academic Workplace Youth At Risk, Intermetzo-Pluryn, Post Box 53, 6500 AB Nijmegen, The Netherlands

   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centre - Location VUMC, De Boelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands

   LUMC Curium - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center. Post Box 15, 2300 AA Leiden, The Netherlands

   Academic Workplace Youth At Risk, Intermetzo-Pluryn, Post Box 53, 6500 AB Nijmegen

   Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centre – Location VUMC, De Boelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam

   LUMC Curium – Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center. Post Box 15, 2300 AA Leiden

3. Robert R. J. M. Vermeiren Aachen LUMC Curium-Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

   Leiden University Medical Center · Parnassia Groep

   Affiliation as printed

   LUMC Curium - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center. Post Box 15, 2300 AA Leiden, The Netherlands

   Youz: Parnassia Group, Dr. van Welylaan 2, 2566 ER The Hague, The Netherlands

   LUMC Curium – Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center. Post Box 15, 2300 AA Leiden

   Youz: Parnassia Group, Dr. van Welylaan 2, 2566 ER The Hague

4. Janna Eilander Aachen LUMC Curium-Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   LUMC Curium - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center. Post Box 15, 2300 AA Leiden, The Netherlands

   LUMC Curium – Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center. Post Box 15, 2300 AA Leiden

5. S. I. van den Driesschen Aachen LUMC Curium-Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   LUMC Curium - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center. Post Box 15, 2300 AA Leiden, The Netherlands

   LUMC Curium – Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center. Post Box 15, 2300 AA Leiden

6. Chris H. Z. Kuiper Aachen

   University of Applied Sciences Leiden · iHub

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University of Applied Sciences, Zernikedreef 11, 2311 CK Leiden, The Netherlands

   iHUB, youth care, special education and youth mental health care Mozartlaan 150, 3055 KM Rotterdam, The Netherlands

   Leiden University of Applied Sciences, Zernikedreef 11, 2311 CK Leiden

   iHUB, youth care, special education and youth mental health care Mozartlaan 150, 3055 KM Rotterdam