Abstract
Background: Strong trusting relationships between care recipients, care practitioners, community partners, and the formal and informal sectors of care are at the heart of integrated care. How can bringing a more relational lens to integrated care core competencies enhance the capacity and capability for a more satisfied, flexible, and resilient workforce? This experiential workshop aims to grow our understanding of the concept of relational care in different contexts, taking its cues from the learnings of UHN NORC Innovation Centre focused on healthy aging in place.The NORC Innovation Centre (NIC), uses a relationship-centred, participatory approach to create sustainable, resident-led, aging in place groups in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC). Having a high concentration of older adults, NORCs are ideal settings for mobilizing communities, developing supportive networks, and organizing health and wellness programming.Early evaluation of the NIC community-based model for aging in place identified a need for greater capacity in community-building skills among resident groups. Leveraging the evidenced-based practice of relational care, the NIC team embedded the transformative principles of building meaningful relationships and dealing with complex dynamics into their process of community-building. Our research findings suggest that resident-leaders reported improved ability to communicate, make decisions together, and agree on shared values and goals. By centring a relational approach, the program set a tone for NIC staff, residents, and community providers to get to know each other, build rapport, and set a tone of trust, safety and inclusion.
Audience: This workshop is relevant for all levels of individuals working with diverse stakeholder groups on health and care change efforts. Individuals working in administrative, managerial, frontline and voluntary capacities can all benefit, particularly those most interested in how to accelerate efforts to support complex and sustainable change.
Approach: This 90-minute workshop will alternate between small group activities and large group discussion. Through a series of discussion-based and creative reflections, we will engage with three of the main tenets of relational care and community-building: i) creating connection before finding solution; ii) staying curious with humility; and iii) understanding that we are all teachers and learners. Together, we will learn from each other lived experiences, identify emerging needs/questions, and refine strategies for practical application of relational care.At each step, NIC team members will share our learnings about the practice of leading with relational principles to support healthy aging. The workshop will end with a group discussion on best relational practices and a review of strategies for ongoing practical application.
The format and timing of the 90-minute workshop is as follows: Introductory PowerPoint presentation to set the context: 0 min. Relational Principle # case example and small group exploration activity: 20 min [Relational principle case example: 5 min; small group work: 5 min]Relational Principle #2 case example and small group exploration activity: 20 min [Relational principle case example: 5 min; small group work: 5 min] Relational Principle #3 case example and small group exploration activity: 20 min [Relational principle case example: 5 min; small group work: 5 min] Large group feedback on practice and closing takeaway: 20 min.
Outcome: By the end of the workshop, participants will come away with a deeper understanding of what relational care is and the ways a relational approach can enhance individual and team capacity when, for example, advocating for patients, engaging with volunteers and community partners, or working with interdisciplinary teams. Participants will have co-created a set of tips on best practices for leading with relational principles. This tangible takeaway will be available for their immediate use.