Mapping the dynamics of learning communities about Dutch healthy weight approaches: a causal loop diagram

Abstract Background Learning communities (LCs) are increasingly used among multidisciplinary public health challenges, such as local healthy weight approaches. LCs aim to stimulate learning, collaboration and actions. Previous research has provided insights into the underlying elements of multidisci...

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Main Authors: Maud J. J. ter Bogt, Kirsten E. Bevelander, Esther A. H. Kramer, Merel M. van der Wal, Gerard R. M. Molleman, Maria van den Muijsenbergh, Gerdine A. J. Fransen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-12-01
Series:Archives of Public Health
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-024-01468-1
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author Maud J. J. ter Bogt
Kirsten E. Bevelander
Esther A. H. Kramer
Merel M. van der Wal
Gerard R. M. Molleman
Maria van den Muijsenbergh
Gerdine A. J. Fransen
author_facet Maud J. J. ter Bogt
Kirsten E. Bevelander
Esther A. H. Kramer
Merel M. van der Wal
Gerard R. M. Molleman
Maria van den Muijsenbergh
Gerdine A. J. Fransen
author_sort Maud J. J. ter Bogt
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Learning communities (LCs) are increasingly used among multidisciplinary public health challenges, such as local healthy weight approaches. LCs aim to stimulate learning, collaboration and actions. Previous research has provided insights into the underlying elements of multidisciplinary LCs, but little is known about the perceived causalities of these elements. Therefore, limited is known about what can be done to leverage LCs. This study aims to gain insights into the perceived dynamics of multidisciplinary LCs during the starting phase, including variables, and interconnectedness between variables. Methods To elucidate LC dynamics, all members of two separate LCs participated in a qualitative interview about experiences, perceived learning, and actions during the first six months. Interviews were analyzed thematically. Subsequently, a qualitative causal loop diagram was designed. Results The qualitative causal loop diagram showed three intertwined themes. The first theme explains why group dynamics are essential, and how jointly arranging the LC may optimize group dynamics. The second theme explains how insights are obtained through multidisciplinary knowledge exchange. The third theme explains how actions are executed when conditions are met. These LC group dynamics, learning and action influenced one another. Conclusions To optimize LCs, it is highly recommended that stakeholders arrange them jointly, involve the appropriate partners, match with LC members’ needs, and motivate members to execute action. LC facilitators are recommended to use the causal loop diagram to identify their bottlenecks and how to intervene in those to optimize the LC.
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spelling doaj-art-92f3460aebd049bf95c5913a4e0cab122024-12-22T12:16:43ZengBMCArchives of Public Health2049-32582024-12-0182111210.1186/s13690-024-01468-1Mapping the dynamics of learning communities about Dutch healthy weight approaches: a causal loop diagramMaud J. J. ter Bogt0Kirsten E. Bevelander1Esther A. H. Kramer2Merel M. van der Wal3Gerard R. M. Molleman4Maria van den Muijsenbergh5Gerdine A. J. Fransen6Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical CentrePrimary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical CentrePrimary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical CentreInstitute for Management Research, Radboud UniversityPrimary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical CentrePrimary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical CentrePrimary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical CentreAbstract Background Learning communities (LCs) are increasingly used among multidisciplinary public health challenges, such as local healthy weight approaches. LCs aim to stimulate learning, collaboration and actions. Previous research has provided insights into the underlying elements of multidisciplinary LCs, but little is known about the perceived causalities of these elements. Therefore, limited is known about what can be done to leverage LCs. This study aims to gain insights into the perceived dynamics of multidisciplinary LCs during the starting phase, including variables, and interconnectedness between variables. Methods To elucidate LC dynamics, all members of two separate LCs participated in a qualitative interview about experiences, perceived learning, and actions during the first six months. Interviews were analyzed thematically. Subsequently, a qualitative causal loop diagram was designed. Results The qualitative causal loop diagram showed three intertwined themes. The first theme explains why group dynamics are essential, and how jointly arranging the LC may optimize group dynamics. The second theme explains how insights are obtained through multidisciplinary knowledge exchange. The third theme explains how actions are executed when conditions are met. These LC group dynamics, learning and action influenced one another. Conclusions To optimize LCs, it is highly recommended that stakeholders arrange them jointly, involve the appropriate partners, match with LC members’ needs, and motivate members to execute action. LC facilitators are recommended to use the causal loop diagram to identify their bottlenecks and how to intervene in those to optimize the LC.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-024-01468-1Learning communityCommunity of practiceHealthy weightCommunity approachCausal loop diagramCollaboration
spellingShingle Maud J. J. ter Bogt
Kirsten E. Bevelander
Esther A. H. Kramer
Merel M. van der Wal
Gerard R. M. Molleman
Maria van den Muijsenbergh
Gerdine A. J. Fransen
Mapping the dynamics of learning communities about Dutch healthy weight approaches: a causal loop diagram
Archives of Public Health
Learning community
Community of practice
Healthy weight
Community approach
Causal loop diagram
Collaboration
title Mapping the dynamics of learning communities about Dutch healthy weight approaches: a causal loop diagram
title_full Mapping the dynamics of learning communities about Dutch healthy weight approaches: a causal loop diagram
title_fullStr Mapping the dynamics of learning communities about Dutch healthy weight approaches: a causal loop diagram
title_full_unstemmed Mapping the dynamics of learning communities about Dutch healthy weight approaches: a causal loop diagram
title_short Mapping the dynamics of learning communities about Dutch healthy weight approaches: a causal loop diagram
title_sort mapping the dynamics of learning communities about dutch healthy weight approaches a causal loop diagram
topic Learning community
Community of practice
Healthy weight
Community approach
Causal loop diagram
Collaboration
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-024-01468-1
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