What is HealthChange?

HealthChange provides a way of communicating and working with patients and families that helps them understand and use health information as it is shared in a way that is meaningful to them. 

HealthChange supports all team members working with patients to practice in a similar way. This ensures person-centred care applies to the whole team. This consistent approach across care teams helps patients know what to expect from care appointments and their role with anyone on their care team.

Using HealthChange’s methodology promotes shared decision-making and engages patients and families as true partners in their care. The guiding practice principles of HealthChange support providers to be present with patients in a way that is non-judgmental, fosters trust and encourages exploration versus making assumptions.

The methodology also supports providers to assess and build patient readiness to make health changes and to have conversations that meet the patient's behavior change needs. Over time, HealthChange can enhance a patient’s ability to self-manage their health conditions.

Healthcare teams across Alberta have been using HealthChange to guide process improvement work, adapt clinical documentation and develop effective patient education resources.

In 2024, HealthChange Alberta developed a new brand identity, aligned with the AHS brand and distinct from the HealthChange Australia program where the methodology originated. HealthChange Alberta is committed to delivering our provider education in ways that meet the needs in the Alberta health system.

HealthChange Learning Series

HealthChange education is delivered as a Learning Series, combining self-directed e-learning and a virtual interactive workshop to support learners to understand and use the methodology. It’s recommended that learners complete all parts of the HealthChange learning series. When that isn’t possible, the three e-Modules will provide a helpful introduction to some core components of the methodology.

How to Register

• HealthChange Learning Series Registration

Target Audience

The learning series is relevant for all Alberta healthcare providers, and non-clinical team members, whose roles involve direct patient contact (in-person or virtual). 

Leaders (managers, team leads, practice leads) may also benefit from attending this workshop by understanding how HealthChange provides practice guidance to their teams, and by applying the methodology to their interactions with staff/colleagues.

Learning Series Objectives

Participants will:

1. Understand how HealthChange defines and guides person-centred practice.
2. See how the methodology can be applied in practice through video/audio demonstrations.
3. Consider how the methodology applies in their own work role through reflection exercises and by practicing HealthChange skills and techniques in interactive activities.
4. Self-assess their person-centered practice skills and consider areas for growth.

e-Modules

The e-Modules are pre-requisites for the workshop. Each e-Module will take 20-30 minutes to complete. Past HealthChange learners can complete the e-Modules as a refresher.

• e-Module 1: Introduction to HealthChange – provides an overview of the HealthChange approach and the value it brings to patients and providers.
• e-Module 2: Health Literacy – explores how HealthChange defines and builds health literacy, to support patient engagement in their health.
• e-Module 3: Goal Setting – explains the ‘4 Aspects of Goal Setting’ practice principle and demonstrates how it supports collaborative goal setting and shared decision-making.

Live Virtual Workshop

The free virtual workshop builds on e-Module content by introducing the remaining core components of the methodology and by offering valuable interactive activities to help learners practice using the skills. The workshop is delivered in two parts (3.5 hours each) over Zoom. It is facilitated by Certified HealthChange Trainers across the province who have experience in a variety of clinical and non-clinical roles, and who use the methodology in their daily work.

Further Recommended Learning

e-Learning

• World Health Organization (WHO) Person-Centred Care Video: An engaging, brief video that defines person-centred care and illustrates why it is important.
• MyLearningLink Courses (for AHS Learners): Courses available on MLL that encourage learner self-reflection on diversity, equity and inclusion concepts and that support provider delivery of equitable care. These concepts can be integrated into how providers use HealthChange’s methodology in their practice and support them to meet all patients where they’re at.
  • Patient Experience 101 (Required Organizational Learning)
  • Indigenous Awareness and Sensitivity series (Required Organizational Learning)
  • Trauma-Informed Care: Introduction 
  • Diversity and Inclusion Modules (6 in total)
    • Module 3: Unconscious Bias
    • Module 6: Understanding your Power, Privilege & Intersectionality 
  • Identifying and Addressing Financial Strain Module
• Caregiver-Centred Care Education: A program from the University of Alberta, Department of Family Medicine, designed for health and social care providers, students, policymakers and anyone involved in the caregiving ecosystem. Learn how integrating caregiver-centered principles into healthcare delivery can significantly improve patient outcomes, foster meaningful relationships and set a new standard for excellence in care.
  • Non-AHS Staff: https://www.caregivercare.ca 
  • AHS Staff can register at MyLearningLink
  • Caregiver-Centred Care Modules: 
    • Foundational
    • Advanced (6 in total)
    • Champions (3 in total)
    • COVID-19

Patient Relations Certificate Program

The HealthChange Learning Series is one of the required courses in the Patient Relations Certificate Program, which supports the fifth domain of the learner competencies: preventing patient concerns.

Dive into an 11-month program designed to equip you with the skills needed to manage and prevent patient concerns in hospital and community healthcare settings. The intimate 25-person cohort will foster a supportive, virtual learning environment and encourage meaningful connections. Gain actionable insights with hands-on learning, focusing on practical tips and strategies applicable to concerns management and conflict situations.

• Target Audience: Healthcare providers at Alberta Health Services committed to resolving and preventing patient concerns at the point of care.
• Program Duration: 11 months, March 2025 – February 2026 with July and August off to accommodate your busy schedule.
• Time Commitment: Two hours per week - designed to fit seamlessly into your professional and personal life.