Experimenting a learning community on the ecological transition in general practice: learning and researching together to transform practices and research

Charlotte Bréda, Bruno Verstraete, Manon Schweicher

Keywords: Learning community, Ecological transition, Innovation, Qualitative Methodology

Background:

There is a gap between scientific research and how it is perceived by general practitioners, who see it as disconnected from the field and the specificity of their practice. The need for knowledge is evident and is illustrated by the desire to develop knowledge and skills related to ecological issues. The Academic Center of General Medicine at University of Louvain has taken on the challenge of establishing a culture of scientific research that reflects the specificity of its discipline through the experimentation of a learning community dedicated to ecological transition.

Research questions:

Can a learning community on ecological transition help to transform practices and research in general medicine? Is this approach suitable for GPs? If so, what are its methods and conditions for implementation?

Method:

Since January 2023, the learning community has been meeting once a month. It consists of 11 GPs, a researcher in anthropology, and a facilitator.
A two-pronged search was conducted:
The first is based on an ethnography of the system (participant observation, interviews) and aims to answer the main research question.
The second is carried out by the participants in the community, based on the question they have identified: how to take into account eco-toxicological impact in the prescription practices of general practitioners?

Results:

In terms of GPs practice:
-Co-creation of an ecological prescribing tool
-Changes in the participants' practices towards more ecological practices
-A place for the exchange of knowledge and practical know-how
In terms of research:
-Two participants have started research internships and a thesis in general medicine on ecological issues.

Conclusions:

The learning community framework serves as a catalyst for changing practices, for research training, and for the development of research dedicated to general medicine, in particular regarding the topic of ecological transition in general medicine. It requires institutionalization for the sustainability of the process within the university.

Points for discussion:

How can these bottom-up research approaches be institutionalised and what forms of governance are needed?

What are the limits of this research approach with practitioners in the field?

Sharing experiences and testimonials from learning communities in other countries?

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