The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #40977

Constance Brooks, PhD, RN, CS, Public Health Nursing, University of Missouri Columbia, Sinclair School of Nursing, S328 School of Nursing Building, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211-4120, 573-882-0206, brookscw@missouri.edu

This presentation describes the evaluation of the impact of a relationship-centered - care training program, People-Centered Teams, on hospital employees in the process of organizational change. In this time of health care change, many health care agencies and institutions implemented staff development programs of customer service and patient focused care that focused on the clients. The focus of this training was on helping hospital employees by providing participants with relationship-centered care skills to deal more effectively with change. The training focused on helping participants to develop an increase in self-awareness, personal accountability, and effective communication. The design for this study was a secondary analysis of the qualitative data from the longitudinal formative evaluation of this training.

Program participants reported an increase in personal awareness, personal accountability and effective communication. Participants described the impact of their thinking and behavior changes in regard to self, co-workers and clients. Participants expressed a need for follow-up that included a review of relationship-centered care concepts, the need for coaching and the opportunity to practice new skills. As a result of the findings of this study, components of the relationship-centered care program were modified and incorporated into quality improvement training in a state agency and used in individual and group mediation services for employees. The People-Centered Team program materials were also modified to develop a grant-funded community based pilot program for prenatal clients and abused women and their children.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will develop an awareness of the value of staff development training in relationship-centered care.
• Participants will develop an appreciation for the importance of evaluating staff development programs beyond the traditional immediate post workshop form
• Participants will be able to articulate the application of relationship-centered training beyond staff development to community settings that include working with clients in community and public health agencies.

Keywords: Communication,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The following program products and services will be discussed. 1. People-Centered Team Training Program of St. Charles Medical Center in Bend Oregon 2. Relationship-Centered Care Program of St.John's Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri.
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.