Online delivery of making every contact count training: impact on the public health workforce

Background/Aims Making every contact count is an approach to communication that aims to support individual health choices through everyday interactions between healthcare professionals and service users. This study explored the experiences and perceptions of staff members who had undertaken an online version of making every contact count training, aiming to assess the efficacy of this mode of delivery. Methods A focus group was held with six individuals who had completed an online making every contact count training programme. The focus group was held online with one facilitator, using a semi-structured approach. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed, using a reflexive thematic analysis approach to generate themes. Results Four themes were identified: the importance of a person-centred approach; the practical applications of training; the opportunity to reflect on one's practice and conversations; and the challenges of the online training. Participants described gaining skills such as listening, reflection and using open discovery questions, which they had applied to practice. While online delivery was seen as potentially more convenient, problems related to technical difficulties and small group discussions were noted. Conclusions Online delivery of making every contact count training can be an effective and convenient way of upskilling health and social care staff to deliver person-centred care, although further development is needed to overcome barriers to online training. Implications for practice Further exploration of online delivery of making every contact count training is needed, so that the full potential of this method can be realised. A continued focus on person-centred care, reflection and practical application of skills should be central to all training initiatives in healthcare and related fields.