Designing a cooperation tool to extend face-to-face problem-solving in a healthcare network

In this paper, we present the first results of a study of a healthcare network, RPM ("Reseau Pole Memoire" in French, which means memory pole network). For one year and a half, we have attempted some meetings and have analyzed the retranscriptions with an original theoretical framework: the theory of symbolic communicational transactions. This analysis allows us to define the nature of discussions taking place during the meetings. We have observed that a lot of discussions about patients take place aiming at solving the cases. Besides, we observed the need of professionals to get closer to their colleagues and to go on discussing the cases after the meetings. Then, we suggest the use of the "community bar" which could favor communication about patients between professionals in order to extend face-to-face problem solving