Workshops in personal relationships

Abstract

This paper describes the planning, implementation and evaluation of a series of workshops for practising health visitors, as one aspect of continuing professional education. The history demonstrates response to stated need. Planning was intensive and extensive, resulting in one broad educational objective and a flexible approach to teaching/learning, contributions of expertise from several disciplines proved valuable. Prior to full implementation, experimental workshops were organized and evaluated both objectively and subjectively. The variety of methods of evaluation permitted isolation of some factors which mitigate against success and their avoidance when possible. The objective evaluations used three criteria which appeared to demonstrate positive outcomes to a great extent. Evaluations of 17 workshops demonstrate the continuing value of this form of education, and the summarized response shows, inter alia, that impetus does not necessarily reduce with time. Of significance is the evidence that the results include improved professional practice and that there were increases in depth and breadth of knowledge. Additionally, there were developments of self-help and professional interest groups. Finally, the sequel should lead towards a model of training resource personnel within the NHS, the trial of the model being early in 1982.