Learning sets ... the way forward?
Nathan, D.; Smedley, A.; Griffiths, H.; Shepherd, L.; Stark, W.
Community Practitioner the Journal of the Community Practitioners' and Health Visitors' Association 80(8): 28-31
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 1462-2815 PMID: 17821877 Document Number: 610291
Community nursery nurses (CNNs) have increasingly important roles within clinical service delivery. Maintaining and enhancing their learning has not been extensively developed within the NHS. We report on a cost-effective, structured programme that focused on one aspect of their learning: managing childhood behaviour. Childhood behaviour problems place substantial demands on the health service. CNNs are increasingly recognised as being potentially in the front line for managing these issues. CNNs have excellent training within play skills but often have more limited training in managing childhood behaviour problems. Learning sets were developed and evaluated as effective in delivering training to CNNs on childhood behaviour. Our programme allowed CNNs to shape learning over a six-month period. It aimed to value existing skills and promote a learner-centred approach. This teaching method encouraged generic skills in exploring evidence-based approaches to clinical care. Learners valued collaboration and identified new clinical strategies that included standardisation of advice given.