20.06.2016

Health Communication - June 2016

1-3 June EB Fund alongside with the Norwegian Fund LHL International conducted a final training “Health Communication” for the medical workers of the Arkhangelsk Oblast. This training involved 17 participants. There were two seminars on 1 June. The first was designed for the major group where participants could repeat the latest topics they learned in April and to receive constructive feedback on the follow-up questionnaire and most significant change stories. The coach of the training, Hedvig Amdal, presented a report on 15 ways to happiness which followed the topic “Positive Thinking”. An important place was given to meditation practice. The participants noticed they are better at meditation, healthier and more productive at communication with colleagues. A critical part of the seminar was taken by a role play “Vladimir Has No Money”. As the participants got acquainted with the role plays in April, they tuned in very fast and said afterwards that this time they used basic skills much more effectively than previously. They explain that they need some time to grasp the suggested ideas, assess their relevance and apply them to real life.

The second seminar was organized for the AIDS Center health workers who took part in HC 2014. That training inspired them to establish a Health Communication Club at the AIDS Center. Health workers showed more active use of communication skills also due to the fact that they managed to build a good team within the Center, very much friendly and harmonious. Active superior support and involvement to the personnel and patients challenges also contributed to establishment of the Club. Health workers mentioned peer support as well. This is a kind of support from a person that recovered from stress of HIV diagnosis, overcame fear and attended special training and now is able to share experience with persons who faced similar situation. Fruitful meeting with the AIDS Center could be potentially a good start for the follow-up meetings with future HC participants.

2 June covered the topic that produced most interest among the health workers.  It was the topic “How to Deal with Emotions”. The role play “Frightened Patient” provided participants with an opportunity to apply their skills again. Another topic was dedicated to gratitude attitude and searching for the positive  in life. Participants did several exercises and wrote a gratitude letter.

3 June started with the role play “Patient Who Does Not Have TB”. The participants showed their skills one more time playing this time a new role. More than that, the third day was designed to choose most significant change story. One of the tasks was to refresh learned information. All the participants wrote a Motivation letter and a Reaching Your Goal letter.

By the end of the training health workers received certificates and filled in evaluation. Participants highlighted the relevance of the training. Some of them regret that they didn’t learn this information earlier, this could change their lives. It was very important that two psychologists - participants of HC training - conducted a seminar on health communication for students of a medical college. Their training received very positive feedback. As the coach Hedvig Amdal says, her dream is to develop a special educational course on Health Communication in universities and colleges as these knowledge can influence the treatment result.