Developing interprofessional collaboration using web-based instruction: A case study of the Healthy Minds/Healthy Children project

The purpose of this dissertation is to advance the field of interprofessional education in the mental health environment by investigating a web-based instructional program called Healthy Minds/Healthy Children. This program offers continuing professional development to health professionals who find themselves working with children, and seeking to expand their knowledge, skills and abilities via distance education.;Findings reveal that very few participants see online education as a replacement for face-to-face instruction. Nine factors encouraging web-based interprofessional collaboration emerge from the data analysis, potentially informing future program design. Conclusions support the thesis that web-based instruction is well positioned to facilitate interprofessional education and collaboration among mental health professionals. Future research and program evaluation will be necessary as technological advances enable opportunities to be developed for post-licensure professionals engaging in continuing professional education.;The program facilitates collaborative education among post-licensure professionals by eradicating some of the barriers traditionally inhibiting interaction. The research design applies an adaptation of a grounded theory process to a case study methodology. Research participants included the program's learners, instructors, designers and advisory members. Mental health professionals from medicine, nursing, pharmacy, psychiatry, psychology, and social work were represented. Qualitative data collection activities included the utilization of online questionnaires, focus groups, interviews, and a program related document review.