The project’s aim was to design, implement and pilot test a socially interactive digital environment, where practicing and in-training Midwives came together, under the watchful eye of service-users, to enhance the communication skills needed to deliver respectful consultations. The methodology is learner-centered and better aligned with work-based environments while the active participation of the service-users enriches the learning experience, thus further supporting emerging needs for future midwives (specific VET priorities). Furthermore, the project aimed to promote a sustainable training model, which reinforces the interaction between academia, clinical settings and the third sector, using participatory and digital methodologies. Ultimately, the project targeted the capacity and readiness of partner organizations in integrating good practices (simulations, reflection, peer-to-peer feedback) in their regular activities and making an effective shift towards the purposeful use of digital technology in communication skills training.
Effective clinical communication skills are essential for maternal-child healthcare providers (MCHCP). While communication skills training is a standard feature in clinical programs, research suggests that MCHCP do not engage effectively to “make every contact count”. This raises the need to improve the quality of training provided both pre- and post-registration as part of continuous professional development. The need to improve these skills is now more pronounced in Cyprus, especially for midwives who assume a more autonomous role in the community under the recent reforms in the National Healthcare System (GeSY). The project responded to the need to embrace the use of a digital learning environment and the active involvement of service-users. Evidence suggests that experimental practice through role-play of real life recurrent situations is more effective in developing communication skills. Furthermore, the use of social video for self-evaluation and peer-feedback acted as boundary objects to stimulate reflection, while the active involvement of service-users provided MHCP insights into their needs.