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

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.