Crossing Knowledge Boundaries in Interprofessional Collaborations

Abstract

Abstract This article investigates the interprofessional collaboration between the police and Child Welfare Service, in cases of domestic violence against children. We apply a knowledge sharing lens when exploring possible knowledge boundaries to address what constitutes a common ground and therefore a common interprofessional practice between the two professions. We found knowledge boundaries between the two professions. In particular, we identify differences in legislation, duties of confidentiality, but also sources of more complex challenges, such as: (1) different definitions of what constitutes violence and when it should be reported; and (2) different professional understandings of the best interests of the child, and the best procedures for investigating perpetrator(s), The result is a challenging division of responsibilities, which can be explained as limited knowledge sharing, limited knowledge of each other’s professional roles, and a lack of confidence in the competence of professional counterparts. We argue that the knowledge boundaries between the professions could be reduced through the development of joint knowledge sharing practices. This would mean that each profession’s knowledge would have to be translated as meaningful and respected. Knowledge sharing has the ultimate aim of transforming each profession’s own professional knowledge and thus developing mutual knowledge in an interprofessional practice.

Keywords

• interprofessional collaboration
• knowledge sharing
• knowledge boundaries
• police
• Child Welfare Service
• interprofessionalcollaboration