Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan PY(1), Ng MW(1), Wong N(1), Tsoi YK(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine, Haven of Hope Hospital
Introduction :
Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) play a crucial role in the effective functioning of a Geriatric setting. Their responsibilities are vital to ensuring high-quality care for elderly patients, and they contribute significantly to the overall well-being of these individuals. To further improve patient care in the Geriatric ward of Haven of Hope Hospital, a comprehensive training program was implemented. This initiative focused on enhancing skills in communication, skin care, vital signs monitoring, nutritional support, fall prevention, appropriate use of physical restraints, infection control measures, and manual handling operations (MHO).
Objectives :
1) To foster a well-rounded skill set among PCAs that encompasses clinical, communication, and interpersonal skills necessary for effective patient care.
2) Establish ongoing training for PCAs to keep their skills and knowledge stay up-to-date with changes in healthcare.
3) Implement comprehensive training on safety protocols and risk management strategies to minimize incidents and improve patient safety in the ward.
Methodology :
The training program employs a classroom-based approach with interactive approaches. It begins with lectures on essential Geriatric care concepts, followed by role-playing activities that simulate real-life scenarios for practical skill application. Group discussions foster collaboration and experience sharing among participants. Initial skills audits assess baseline competencies, guiding the training focus. To evaluate effectiveness, pre and post questionnaires measure knowledge and skill improvements. A quiz consisting of 10 multiple-choices for each topic was used as an assessment and reinforcement of the knowledge learned and a post-program audit was conducted to assess the skills learned.
Result & Outcome :
The program conducted from March to June 2024 involved 13 Patient Care Assistants (PCAs). Notably, 85% of PCAs felt engaged through the training program. The pre- and post-questionnaires demonstrated significant improvements in key areas. Communication scores increased from 4.1 to 8.3, skin care from 5.0 to 8.7, vital signs monitoring from 5.5 to 8.5, nutritional support from 6.2 to 8.6 and fall prevention jumped from 3.5 to 9.0, with a full mark of 10. These results indicate enhanced practices and increased awareness in patient care and safety. Moreover, 85% reported that they felt more confidence in communicating with patients, while 92% could distinguish the implications of physical restraints. Post-program audits showed 100% compliance in PPE proficiency and MHO. All PCAs either agreed or strongly agreed that the program increased their knowledge, skills, and confidence in elderly care.
