Using technology to promote participant centered services: A collaboration between the Oregon and Arizona State WIC Programs

Background - Knowing that the interaction between counselor and participant powerfully influences participants' change behaviors, the Oregon WIC program has adopted a ‘participant centered' approach to communication. Objective - To help staff provide participant centered education (PCE), Oregon WIC is taking an innovative approach to training staff by collaborating with Arizona WIC to design and produce a new kind of interactive, multi-media, online training module. Behavior-based skills such as PCE are best taught in an environment where individuals may practice the skill. Methods - High quality video clips, Flash-based interactions, and dynamic scenario based activities highlight specific skills and lead staff through a step-by-step learning experience. Where traditional online learning is most often straightforward and sterile, this new approach puts a humanistic spin on health education. Segments of the module include:

• Vignettes of key active listening skills, such as using open-ended questions, reflections, summaries, and dealing with resistance.

• Scenario-based segments featuring video which allows the learner to decide how to approach the participant using the PCE skills they've learned

• Selected “testimonials” by local agency staff about the impact and effectiveness of PCE for staff and participants.

Results - This module is designed to train new staff and to provide continued support to existing staff as they hone their participant centered skills. Pilot agencies will evaluate the effectiveness of this tool and results will be shared. Conclusion – By creating an online module, state and local agencies nationwide will be able to support acquisition of participant centered skills