Adekola OJERINDE

In a strategic move to improve the quality of healthcare delivery in underserved communities, JDPC Ibadan, with support from International Budget Partnership, has concluded a two-day intensive training on Patient-Centered Care for midwives and nurses working in rural Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities in Ibadan, Oyo state.

The capacity-building programme brought together frontline health workers to enhance their competencies in ethical practice, effective communication, community engagement, and holistic patient management. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen primary healthcare systems and promote dignity and trust in service delivery at the grassroots level.

The first day of the training focused on reinforcing foundational principles of patient-centered care. Participants engaged in sessions on medical ethics and patient management within PHCs, strengthening patient feedback and complaint-handling mechanisms, and promoting cultural sensitivity and gender responsiveness in healthcare delivery. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, facilitators emphasized the importance of accountability, respect, and fairness in fostering positive patient experiences.

Building on this foundation, the second day expanded discussions to interpersonal relationships and community-level impact. Participants received hands-on training in effective communication and healthy human relations between health workers and patients, highlighting how tone, empathy, and active listening can influence treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

The sessions also addressed community engagement as a critical component of strengthening trust and accountability within rural health systems. Health workers explored strategies for improving collaboration with community stakeholders to encourage service utilization and responsiveness to local health needs.

Recognizing the growing importance of mental and emotional wellbeing in healthcare delivery, the training further introduced participants to psychosocial support strategies and basic mental health care at the primary healthcare level. Facilitators underscored the need for frontline workers to identify, respond to, and appropriately refer cases requiring mental health attention, particularly in communities where access to specialized services remains limited.

Speaking at the close of the programme, the Program Manager, Jide Bamgbose, reiterated that strengthening primary healthcare goes beyond infrastructure and medical supplies. He noted that building the capacity of frontline workers to deliver respectful, inclusive, and empathetic care is essential to restoring public confidence in PHCs and improving health outcomes in rural communities.

By equipping midwives and nurses with practical tools and updated knowledge, the initiative aims to reinforce people-centered service delivery and contribute to more resilient and responsive primary healthcare systems across Oyo State.