The meaning of a healthcare community of practice.

PURPOSE: This study intends to explore the meaning of community of practice within the context of healthcare. Based on Walker and Avant's conceptual analysis method, this study identifies the contextual definitions, critical attributes, antecedents, and consequences of the community of practice phenomena in health care.
FINDINGS: The findings in articles appearing in peer-reviewed healthcare journals within publication dates of 2007-2012 concur that a healthcare community of practice shares a common domain of interest in which healthcare workers collaborate to enhance the practice, promote professional expertise, and augment institutional knowledge. Antecedents necessary for and consequences that occur because of a healthcare community of practice are detailed within this article. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: This analysis informed the decision to use a healthcare community of practice framework for an interprofessional dedicated education unit.