New microcredential launched: Engagement and Partnering for People-Centred Care

As the saying goes, “Good things come in small packages.” This is certainly true for microcredentials: short, compact courses designed to train learners in high-demand skills. They are an important avenue for addressing skills gaps in the labour market and meeting future needs.

Julia Abelson, professor in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), identified a key skills gap in patient engagement. Developed in collaboration with community partners and taught by field experts, the new Engagement and Partnering for People-Centred Care mircocredential provides the essential competencies needed for effective patient, client, and caregiver engagement practice in the Ontario health system.

Led by Abelson and the Public and Patient Engagement Collaborative (PPEC) at McMaster University, this self-paced course is offered virtually through the Faculty of Health Sciences Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Office.

The microcredential is now open for registration, with its first cohort beginning in Fall 2024.

We had the opportunity to speak with Abelson about the microcredential, the benefits it offers learners, and its unique potential to add value to their careers.

Microcredentials are designed to train learners in high-demand skills. What key skills does Engagement and Partnering for People-Centred Care address?

Our microcredential will provide learners with the skills needed to effectively engage and partner with patients, clients, and caregivers at the direct care, program, governance, and policy levels across the Ontario health system. Those completing the course will be able to implement and evaluate engagement practices needed to foster effective, equitable partnerships and advance the principles of people-centred care in their daily practice.

Who is this microcredential intended for, and how can it support learners in their careers?

This microcredential is intended for organizational leaders. This includes patient, family, and caregiver partners in leadership roles, along with clinicians and staff seeking to build competencies in patient, family, and caregiver engagement, as well as partnership and co-design practices. Target learners could be employed, affiliated with, or seeking roles in a range of organizations including service delivery, government, and government agencies, including those supporting patients in primary care, home care, mental health services, and other sectors.

By the end of the course, what will learners be able to take away with them?

Learners will have a good understanding of the history, key legislation and policies guiding patient, family, and caregiver engagement with a focus on the Ontario health system. They will be exposed to key concepts, frameworks, and approaches for patient, family, and caregiver engagement and will learn how to apply these in practice at the level of personal care decisions, program design, governance, and policy development. Learners will also gain practical tips for evaluating their engagement practices to ensure quality and impact.

What is the benefit of a virtual, self-paced microcredential compared to other learning opportunities?

Our intended learners are busy people working in a wide range of organizations with varying schedules. The self-paced format we use will allow learners to complete course modules independently while still being part of a vibrant learning community. We also provide opportunities for learners to meet virtually through regularly scheduled touchpoints where they can connect with course leaders and other learners to consolidate knowledge and hone their skills.

To learn more or register for this microcredential, visit the CPD website.

To ask questions about this microcredential or PPEC, email ppec@mcmaster.ca.