Development of relational skills in preventive contexts among health professionals: An evaluation of the Petits pas, Grands pas approach

Background: Strengthening the relational skills of public health professionals is a key element of early prevention within France’s Protection maternelle et infantile (Maternal and Child Health Services). The Petits pas, Grands pas (PPGP; “Small step, Big step”) training program—based on APR (Approche préventive centrée sur la relation d’aide), a relationship-centered preventive approach (APR)—aims to enhance reflective and relational practices among multidisciplinary teams.

Objective: To describe Maternal and Child Health professionals’ perceived changes in relational practices following APR training. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from 2022 to 2024 across 21 French departments. Anonymous questionnaires were distributed at three and six months post-training (T1 and T2). Closed-ended questions assessed the frequency and ease of using the four core APR skills (proactivity, deferring, empathy, and valuing parental strengths), while open-ended questions explored perceived changes in relational practices. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative responses were coded thematically. Results: A total of 820 professionals responded at T1, and 570 responded at T2. Approximately half of the respondents reported increased confidence in relational interactions, particularly in listening and acknowledging parental resources. Qualitative findings highlight greater professional security and an improved understanding of families’ needs. Conclusion: The findings suggest that APR training promotes the development of relational and reflective skills among Maternal and Child Health professionals. Further research is needed to assess the sustainability of these effects and their impact on family support.