Using electronic communities of practice to promote best practices in reproductive health

While many effective practices in reproductive health are known, the dissemination and use of these best practices has been challenging. The Implementing Best Practices Knowledge Gateway supports collaboration and information sharing among reproductive health workers in low resource settings. Virtual communities of practice (CoPs) require minimal connectivity. More than 100 topic-oriented CoPs with 8,394 diverse members from over 180 countries are on the Gateway. This presentation will focus on two communities that cross borders and create bridges to share and exchange best practices.

The Postpartum Family Planning CoP has over 330 members and held several global discussions. One discussion featured experts on the lacational amenorrhea method (LAM) they contributed to the discussion and answered questions related to counseling, advocacy and the promotion of LAM. CoP members shared their own experiences. Another discussion brought together a diverse group to share information and experience about Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancy. Discussions facilitate networking and identify areas for further work.

The Global Alliance for Preservice Education (GAPS) is a mechanism to support the application of competency based educational principles to the preparation and deployment of health workers. The community provides a virtual place where preservice educators network to explore best practices and challenges. Major tasks are to compile FP competencies into a consensus list of core competencies, share teaching strategies and resources.

These electronic communities are vital tools for information exchange, communication and the sharing of best practices in reproductive health.