In this project, we train parents of children with long-term care needs to share their experiences with students in the programs of medicine, pedagogy, medical informatics, and health sciences.
As 'Parent Educators', these parents engage in conversations with students about topics students might hesitate to ask about in the consultation room. The initiator of this project was a communication lecturer for several medical programs for many years. When she became the mother of a son with complex care needs, she spoke with multiple healthcare professionals weekly, and gained insights into the shortcomings of communication training for healthcare professionals. This education emphasizes patient participation and authentic, meaningful learning experiences.
More information can be found on the Viveon website: Parent Educators: Parents of Children with Complex Care Needs as Educational Partners (in Dutch).