BECOMING A PERSON-CENTRED FACILITATOR OF LEARNING: A participatory action-oriented inquiry exploring the experience of embodying person-centredness by educators working in hospital settings

Abstract

Background: Many educators working in the hospital setting are not well-prepared for their role. They rely on the expert teacher-centred model which is not aligned with nor contributing to developing person-centred cultures. As these educators are positioned to contribute to developing and advancing person-centredness, it is imperative they are enabled to become person-centred in their practice. Little is known about how educators transform from the expert teacher-centred approach to a person-centred facilitation approach. This study investigated how educators become person-centred facilitators.

Approach and Methods: With a participatory, action-oriented research design informed by four person-centred methodological principles predicated on practice development and relational inquiry, educators in the hospital setting co-investigated their experience of becoming person-centred facilitators. Collective and individual capacity development activities enabled educators to co-create a pathway to embodying person-centredness. Data was analyzed through five phases of relational inquiry infused critical creative hermeneutics.

Findings: A conceptual framework representing becoming person-centred emerged and a Roadmap for Becoming Person-centred was developed. Transformation was guided by three principles, Starting with Self, Developing Community & Belonging, and Bumping Against Culture & Inviting Transformation. Becoming occurred intrapersonally, interpersonally, and contextually through moments of discovery, reconciliation, and action. Findings indicate the four person-centred methodological principles, developed into the RACC Model, are effective in providing educational theory and working in person-centred ways. These principles enable educators to contribute to advancing person-centredness within the realities and complexities of the hospital setting.

Conclusions and Implications: Educators working in hospital settings can be enabled to become person-centred facilitators by providing them person-centred learning opportunities and support over time. As pedagogy, the four person-centred methodological principles should be used within orientation programs so educators attain competence in educational theory and person-centredness and use these principles within their own practice. As educators embody being person-centred facilitators, they can contribute to advancing person-centredness.