Development of Professional Knowledge in Action by Solfrid Vatne

Abstract:
This chapter reports a multi-professional development project whose purpose was to develop “acknowledging communication’ in a psychiatric department for young people. The professional part of the project has its foundation in Schibbye’s treatment
theory of inter-subjective understanding of relationships. The article presents the specific design and methods used: the researcher’s process notes and field notes from participating in the project, and qualitative interviews of eight informants participating
in reflection groups. The article presents and discusses the staffs’ experiences of (1) participating in the development process and (2) outcomes of acknowledging communication in the unit. The study showed that in order to facilitate change in the role of
staff members, it is important to combine several reflection arenas where theoretical principles can be converted into practical action. Even drawing data from only one study site the study should be of interest for professionals working with clinical change processes.