Humor, Empathy and Collaboration: First Joint ENLIGHT Micro-Credential Concludes with an Immersive Healthcare Clown Workshop
On Saturday, 13 June, the first joint ENLIGHT micro-credential, “Humor as a Communication Tool in Healthcare,” was successfully completed. The programme was developed through the collaboration of Comenius University Bratislava (Slovakia), the University of Groningen (the Netherlands), Uppsala University (Sweden), the University of Göttingen (Germany), and the University of Galway (Ireland), together with ČERVENÝ NOS Clowndoctors (Slovakia), Clowns on Call (Sweden), and the Teddy Bear Hospital initiative, which uses experiential learning to help children overcome fears associated with hospitals and healthcare settings.
Throughout the programme, participants explored the scientific evidence behind the psychological, physiological, and social effects of humor, developed communication skills applicable to healthcare and social care settings, and reflected on how humor can strengthen trust, reduce stress, and improve human connections in professional practice.
The course culminated in an immersive workshop in Bratislava led by professional healthcare clowns, where participants engaged in experiential learning, improvisation, and creative communication exercises. The workshop provided a unique opportunity to connect academic knowledge with real-world practice and demonstrated how humor can serve as a powerful tool for person-centred care.
The international dimension of the event was significantly enhanced by the participation of healthcare clowns from Slovakia and Sweden, as well as colleagues from the University of Galway and the University of Göttingen, whose experience enriched professional discussions and the exchange of good practices.
The successful completion of this first joint ENLIGHT micro-credential highlights the value of European cooperation in lifelong learning and demonstrates that humor, empathy, and human connection are essential elements of education and healthcare in the 21st century.