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This paper aims to describe the nature of pediatric cardiology teams (PCTs) based in Sweden through the use of a mixed methods approach. Questionnaires examining issues about the organization/ways of working, functions/tasks and attitudes were answered by 30 PCTs. Focus group interviews were conducted with six PCTs, selected purposefully by size and location, and information on experiences and attitudes on interprofessional teamwork was explored in depth. Results from the quantitative indicated that in 17 of the teams, where the nurse acted as the central coordinator, there was a positive attitude to the value of teamwork. In the interviews, different problems and needs of improvements were mentioned regarding structure, leadership, presence of physicians in the team as well as the team's mandate. All of the participants, however, agreed that interprofessional teams were required to manage the complexity of the children's care. In conclusion, this study suggests that PCTs need further support to develop structure, leadership and coordination of resources to function in a more effective manner. National plans or recommendations that mandate the organization and working methods of PCTs would be helpful for the ongoing development of PCTs in Sweden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students' engagement and reflection on learning activities are important during interprofessional clinical practice. The contextual activity sampling system (CASS) is a methodology designed for collecting data on experiences of ongoing activities by frequent distribution of questionnaires via mobile phones. The aim of this study was to investigate if the use of the CASS methodology affected students' experiences of their learning activities, readiness for interprofessional learning, academic emotions and experiences of interprofessional team collaboration. Student teams, consisting of 33 students in total from four different healthcare programs, were randomized into an intervention group that used CASS or into a control group that did not use CASS. Both quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative (interviews) data were collected. The results showed that students in the intervention group rated teamwork and collaboration significantly higher after than before the course, which was not the case in the control group. On the other hand, the control group reported experiencing more stress than the intervention group. The qualitative data showed that CASS seemed to support reflection and also have a positive impact on students' experiences of ongoing learning activities and interprofessional collaboration. In conclusion, the CASS methodology provides support for students in their understanding of interprofessional teamwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]