Learning Needs of Personal Support Workers Caring for Dementia Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Norris Grace, Savundranayagam Marie, Vafaei Afshin, Teachman Gail
Primary Institution: Western University
Hypothesis
Personal support workers need continuous education to effectively care for people living with dementia.
Conclusion
The study identified specific learning needs of personal support workers that, if addressed, could improve the quality of dementia care.
Supporting Evidence
- Personal support workers make up over half of the workforce caring for people with dementia.
- PSWs receive the least education compared to other healthcare professionals.
- The study identified learning needs such as addressing responsive behaviors and person-centered communication.
Takeaway
Personal support workers who help people with dementia need more training to do their jobs better.
Methodology
The study used secondary qualitative analysis of 22 focus groups with mid-career personal support workers.
Limitations
The study may not represent all personal support workers as it focused on mid-career individuals in long-term care.
Participant Demographics
Mid-career personal support workers in long-term care.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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