Bridging Education and Practice in Healthcare

Between September and October 2024, the Future Health Hub (FHH) project brought together students, public health nurse of city of Kuopio, Savonia teachers and Wellness Center coordinator to support eight international families in Kuopio. This collaboration between Savonia University of Applied Sciences in Finland and ISCISA in Mozambique aimed to integrate practical nursing education with real-life experiences, focusing on prenatal and postnatal family coaching.

Guidance for Families Expecting a Baby

Expecting a baby can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for international families who may be unfamiliar with the local healthcare system and cultural expectations. The coaching sessions provided essential support on key topics such as prenatal well-being, nutrition, mental health, and fetal development. Parents-to-be also received guidance on postnatal care, including newborn feeding, safe sleep practices, maternal recovery, and emotional support.

Interactive discussions played a key role in the sessions, allowing families to share their concerns and experiences. This peer support created a sense of community, making it easier for parents to navigate the challenges of pregnancy and early parenthood.

Students as Coaches: Learning Through Experience

Five nursing students—three from Savonia and two from ISCISA—were responsible for planning and delivering the coaching sessions. This hands-on experience provided them with an opportunity to strengthen their clinical skills and develop their ability to communicate complex professional information in a client friendly way.

By using various teaching methods, including presentations, videos, and hands-on demonstrations, they adapted healthcare education to a multicultural audience. The experience also helped them build confidence in providing family-centered support and working in diverse healthcare settings.

Encouraging Interaction and Peer Support

One of the most valuable aspects of the coaching sessions was the interaction between participants. Rather than simply receiving information, families were encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences. These discussions fostered a supportive atmosphere where parents could learn not only from healthcare professionals but also from one another.

This exchange of knowledge helped reduce feelings of isolation, particularly for families who had recently moved to Finland and were still adjusting to a new environment. By hearing from others in similar situations, they felt reassured and better prepared for the journey ahead. In addition, after the coaching, the families could continue to communicate with each other, so the coaching provided a community perspective even after the end of the coaching.

Overcoming Challenges Together

While the project was successful, it was not without its challenges. Language barriers occasionally made communication difficult, requiring creative solutions such as using visual aids and simplified explanations. Scheduling sessions that suited all participants also required flexibility, as families had different availability and commitments.

Despite these obstacles, the collaborative approach of both students and families helped ensure that everyone could fully participate. The willingness to adapt and find solutions was a testament to the strength of multicultural teamwork.

Future Development

Feedback from both participants and students highlighted several ways to further develop the project. Families expressed interest in more interactive elements that would allow them to be even more involved in the learning process. There was also a powerful desire for follow-up sessions to assess the long-term impact of the coaching and provide continued support as families transitioned into parenthood.

Expanding the program to include additional healthcare topics could also make the initiative even more impactful. By broadening the scope, more families could benefit from tailored guidance on issues such as child development, mental health, and parental well-being.

A Model of Future Health HUB for Healthcare Education

The Future Health Hub Pilot demonstrated the power of experiential learning in nursing education. By combining evidence-based knowledge with hands-on practice, the project not only supported international families but also provided invaluable learning opportunities for students. As this model of student-led healthcare initiatives continues to evolve, it has the potential to make a lasting impact on both nursing education and the well-being of diverse families in the community. The model allowed students and clients to benefit from the work-life partnership. The presence and support of a professional guides quality learning and the development of work-life cooperation.

Authors:

Marja Gröhn-Rissanen, International Coordinator, Senior Lecturer, MSc, Rn. Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Department of Healthcare, marja-liisa.grohn-rissanen@savonia.fi.

Terhi Kulo, Nursing Lecturer, MHS, PHN, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, Department of Healthcare, terhi.kulo@savonia.fi

Salla Lommi, Service coordinator of Savonia Wellness Center, Savonia Moves Project Manager, Savonia University of Applied Sciences, salla.lommi@savonia.fi