Development of a structured training programme on interpersonal communication and counselling for midwives in Ondo State, Nigeria

The relevance of effective interpersonal communication in health care has long been emphasised and supported by extensive literature. In their day-to-day activities, midwives need to interact with their patients, their relatives, and other health team members to promote a cordial relationship and relaxed atmosphere that will enhance effective counselling of patients towards illness prevention and wellness promotion. Midwives’ use of effective interpersonal communication and counselling (IPCC) skills in personal and professional situations can reduce patient stress, promote comfort and wellness and improve overall quality health outcomes. Studies have shown that effective communication is a key determinant of patient satisfaction and utilisation of reproductive maternal, newborn, and adolescent child health (RMNCAH) care services. The literature revealed that midwives’ use of interpersonal communication skills is inadequate. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and skills of midwives on IPCC, develop and pilot a structured training programme to correct or add to the midwives’ knowledge and skills on interpersonal communication and counselling (IPCC) towards improved patient-friendly reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health care (RMNCAH) services. The theoretical basis of the study was drawn from the theoretical domain framework, adult learning and experiential learning theories, and the philosophical underpinning was pragmatism.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of the Western Cape

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Fadare, Risikat Idowu

• Structured training programme
• Interpersonal communication
• Counselling
• Midwives
• Nigeria

Licence

• https://uwcscholar.uwc.ac.za/bitstreams/c5e7f39c-69ad-4e17-81dd-b8ed91ed1a0c/download