Providers have a unique opportunity to listen to the joys, challenges and concerns of patients in group medical visits and to gain an understanding of the life experiences, cultural beliefs and values that guide their behaviors. It is through sharing and being heard in a group that participants begin to claim their own knowledge and are empowered to be collaborative partners in their care. It is what brings participants back after their first group visit and motivates them to return again and again for a positive and enriching experience.?Research shows that participants in highly facilitative groups benefit from social support and experience increased learning, thereby enhancing intervention effects (Novick 2013).

In this presentation we will explore how facilitative leadership takes the leader out of the position of being the expert and into the role of listener, carefully holding the group conversation to benefit the group members. Effective facilitators are interested in everyone in the room and curious about what each of them brings to the group. There is an organic give and take between the facilitators and the other group participants. The facilitator helps participants be the ones to raise issues and explore solutions themselves, resulting in better learning and understanding. Good facilitation gracefully guides the participation of each person, using neutral language that encourages each member to share their thoughts and feelings.?

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Strong facilitators create an environment that is welcoming, safe and inclusive for every participant. In this interactive session we will explore adult learning theories and the impact of strong facilitative leadership in a group medical visit.