Participatory Learning in Healthcare

A Collaborative Approach to Professional Development

Given the rapid pace of healthcare today, continuous professional development (CPD) is crucial for ensuring that healthcare professionals stay up-to-date with the latest practices and deliver the highest standard of care to patients. 

Traditional learning methods, such as passive lectures, have been widely used for decades. However, these methods are often too rigid and detached from the real-world complexities that healthcare professionals face daily.

Participatory learning, in contrast, is an innovative approach that actively engages healthcare professionals in their own learning. By fostering collaboration, reflection, and active participation, this method helps learners apply new knowledge directly to their practice. 

With roots in constructivist theory, participatory learning builds on the understanding that knowledge is not simply transmitted but co-created through experience, discussion, and shared insights.

At EL Healthcare Education, we believe in the power of this approach to transform how healthcare professionals learn and grow.

What is Participatory Learning?

Participatory learning is an educational approach that emphasises learner-driven, collaborative learning activities. This method encourages healthcare professionals to engage actively with the material, co-create knowledge with peers, and reflect on their own practice in real-world contexts.

The foundations of participatory learning lie in constructivist theory, particularly the work of Vygotsky, who posited that learning is a social, collaborative process shaped by prior experiences. 

This approach aligns with models such as Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, which encourages learners to integrate concrete experiences, reflective observation, abstract conceptualisation, and active experimentation into their learning process.

Unlike traditional education methods, which often rely on passive information absorption, participatory learning fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, making it especially suited to the complex and dynamic healthcare environment.

Why is Participatory Learning Important in Healthcare Education?

Healthcare is inherently collaborative, and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams is crucial to improving patient outcomes.

Participatory learning in healthcare education reflects this reality by encouraging professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, and learn from each other’s experiences.

This approach promotes deeper engagement with the material, improving retention and the ability to apply knowledge in practice. Healthcare professionals must not only understand the theory behind clinical practices but also be able to use it effectively in complex, real-world scenarios.

By designing learning experiences that closely mirror the challenges faced by healthcare teams, participatory learning ensures that learners are well-equipped to tackle the nuances of patient care.

Moreover, participatory learning aligns closely with the revalidation requirements of professional bodies such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which mandates active engagement in learning that can be applied to practice.

How Does Participatory Learning Differ from Traditional Learning Methods?

Traditional learning methods, such as lecture-based instruction, tend to be one-sided, with learners passively receiving information from the instructor. This model can be effective for transmitting foundational knowledge but lacks the depth and engagement needed to truly shape practice.

In contrast, participatory learning is far more interactive and student-centred. 

It encourages healthcare professionals to reflect on their previous experiences, challenge assumptions, and co-create knowledge with their peers.

In this model, the role of the educator shifts from the sole authority on the subject to a facilitator who guides discussions, encourages critical thinking, and supports learners in applying new concepts to real-world situations.

Alignment with NMC Revalidation and CPD Requirements

Participatory learning is directly aligned with the CPD and revalidation requirements set by the NMC and other regulatory bodies. For example, the NMC requires nurses and midwives to complete 20 hours of participatory learning every three years, demonstrating their commitment to professional development and reflecting on how the knowledge is applied to their practice.

This requirement ensures that healthcare professionals are not just learning for the sake of knowledge but are actively applying what they learn to improve patient care and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement within their organisations.

Examples of Participatory Learning in Healthcare

There are numerous ways participatory learning can be integrated into healthcare training. A few examples include:

• Peer Collaboration: Learning alongside colleagues from different healthcare disciplines fosters collaboration and enhances the sharing of insights and best practices.

• Role-Play and Scenario-Based Learning: By simulating real-life healthcare situations, such as breaking bad news to a patient, healthcare professionals can practise their interpersonal and decision-making skills in a controlled environment.

• Interprofessional Case Studies: Discussing and solving patient cases in a group setting encourages the integration of multiple perspectives, improving decision-making and teamwork skills.

At EL Healthcare Education, we recognise that busy healthcare professionals may struggle to attend live training sessions. 

To overcome this challenge, we offer flexible, asynchronous learning experiences that still foster collaboration and engagement. 

For example, learners can participate in discussion-based reflections and problem-solving activities through message boards or collaborative online platforms.

Participatory Learning and Action (PLA)

Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) is an extension of participatory learning, focusing on actively involving healthcare professionals in addressing real-world challenges. PLA encourages learners to put their knowledge into action, not just through reflection but also by developing practical, actionable plans.

This approach also involves patients and carers in the learning process, ensuring that healthcare professionals receive diverse perspectives that can shape their practice and contribute to more holistic care. At EL Healthcare Education, we have developed a co-design toolkit that helps learners engage with patient and carer feedback, breaking down hierarchical barriers and fostering a more inclusive learning environment.

How Can Organisations Implement Participatory Learning?

To successfully implement participatory learning within healthcare organisations, training leads should first recognise the value of learner-driven education and create spaces where active collaboration and reflection can thrive. This may include adopting mobile-first learning platforms, such as ELELearn, which allow healthcare professionals to engage with course material anytime and anywhere, ensuring learning can take place on-the-go.

Incorporating social learning features, such as discussion boards and virtual collaboration spaces, can further enhance the participatory nature of the learning experience.

Additionally, organisations should involve healthcare professionals in designing training programmes to ensure the content is relevant, practical, and tailored to their needs.

The Future of Participatory Learning in Healthcare

The future of healthcare education is digital, flexible, and collaborative. Advances in technology, particularly in mobile and AI-based learning, have made it possible to scale participatory learning, making it more accessible to a broader audience. At EL Healthcare Education, we continually innovate, exploring how AI can be used to simulate real-world healthcare scenarios, provide instant feedback, and support peer-to-peer learning.

As healthcare organisations continue to embrace digital transformation, participatory learning will play a key role in shaping the future of healthcare education. By leveraging the latest technology, we can empower healthcare professionals to learn more effectively, engage in meaningful reflection, and drive lasting improvements in patient care.

Conclusion

Participatory learning is not just a trend; it is a transformative approach that reflects the collaborative nature of healthcare itself.

By shifting from passive learning to an active, learner-centred model, healthcare professionals can develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an increasingly complex environment.

At EL Healthcare Education, we are committed to delivering engaging, practical, and innovative learning experiences that empower healthcare professionals to excel and make a real difference in patient care.

> Contact us today to discover how we can help you transform your healthcare training with innovative, collaborative learning solutions tailored to your team’s needs.