Interprofessional collaboration in family support in low-threshold open meeting places for families in Finland: professionals’ narratives

Abstract

This study focuses on interprofessional collaboration in low-threshold family services. Understanding the reasons for problems in developing joint activities in the field of family support requires investigation of professionals’ perceptions and experiences of interprofessional collaboration. The data comprised five focus group interviews with professionals working in the low-threshold open meeting places for families. These professionals form part of the coordinated services provided by family centres. A narrative framework enabled in-depth analysis of the relational actions constructing interprofessional collaboration. Three story types about interprofessional collaboration in the family support were identified: (1) the Bridge Builder story unifying service silos; (2) the Everyday Encounterer story about developping relationships; and (3) the Equality Seeker story promoting equality in activities across both families and professionals. The results indicate that to increase interprofessional collaboration in family support, a dialogic partnership with administrators, working-group members, families and the community is needed.