SynthesisAustralasian journal on ageing2026
Communities of Practice in Long-Term Care-Exploring Frameworks, Barriers and Enablers: A Systematic Review.
Synthesis in Australasian journal on ageing, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
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Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
Abstract
objectivesCommunities of Practice (CoPs) offer staff an opportunity to learn with and from one another, and to explore and advance practice. This study aimed to identify the frameworks that underpin the development, operation and evaluation of CoPs, and barriers and enablers to implementing this social learning approach in long term care (LTC).
methodsThis systematic review comprehensively searched four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Embase) from inception to August 2025, identifying studies focused on supporting LTC staff implementing evidence-based practice, best practice or quality improvement. Inclusion screening, data extraction and quality assessment using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies tool (QuADS) were completed independently. Findings were mapped to the Values Creation Framework.
resultsFifteen papers represented eight CoP programs ranging from small, standalone groups to large national collaboratives. Frameworks or specific CoP definitions underpinned planning for seven programs. Two programs drew on stakeholder input in development; however, none described formal co-design. Seven programs were multidisciplinary. Evaluation was qualitative (n = 8), mixed methods (n = 4) or quantitative (n = 3), with limited application of evaluation frameworks. A wide range of enablers and barriers was identified, with structural and cultural challenges affecting sustained CoP engagement and implementation of CoP learning outcomes.
conclusionsDespite 20 years of CoP implementation in LTC, there are few comprehensive evaluations to guide practice. Community of Practice participation delivers individual learning and peer support; however, system and organisational barriers affect sustained staff participation and translation. Consistent application of existing frameworks and enhanced CoP reporting will better support future CoP development and implementation in LTC.
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