This article is part of our Training Requirement Series where we provide comprehensive guides to meet the actual training requirements that are often needed/requested of learning and development departments within Australia's healthcare organisations. This series includes both general requirements, such as dementia, but also focuses on the specific requirements stemming from the NDIS, Aged Care and NSQHS Quality Standards.
Dementia Training in Healthcare Organisations
What is Dementia?
Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a collective term that encompasses a range of neurological disorders affecting cognitive abilities. While Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, the umbrella term covers multiple conditions like vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal disorders. In Australia, dementia remains a significant healthcare challenge, affecting nearly half a million citizens, a figure expected to double by 2058.
What is the Dementia Training Requirement?
Following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, vast changes to the aged care system in Australia are occurring. Legislation passed to implement priority reforms has seen many of the recommendations actioned already. A main focus of this has been improving behaviour support and restrictive practices for people with dementia.
How to Assess Staff Competency in Dementia Care and Management
Staff competency in dementia care and management is crucial for maintaining the quality of service and ensuring patient safety. There are various ways to assess competency:
- Formal Assessments: Written exams or quizzes that test theoretical knowledge.
- Peer Reviews: Colleagues can evaluate each other's practical skills and bedside manners.
- Simulated Scenarios: Real-life situations are replicated in a controlled environment to assess problem-solving and quick decision-making.
- Self-assessment Tools: Staff can gauge their own skills and identify areas for improvement.
Strategies to Support Employees in Dementia Management and Care Skills
Supporting staff in honing their dementia care skills is essential for providing quality care. Some strategies for this are:
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing less experienced staff with more experienced mentors for on-the-job training.
- Regular Workshops: Conducting workshops that cover advanced techniques and new research findings.
- Online Modules: Providing a repository of online resources that staff can refer to for continuous learning.
Dementia Skill Development Training Plan (Example)
A structured training plan should include a combination of different learning modalities, from workshops to online courses. In this example we've included various types of Ausmed learning resources as well as modules form our content partners Dementia Australia and Dementia Training Australia. See below:
| Quarter | Topics | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Dementia Care Basic Skillset | |
| Q2 | Dementia Care Advanced Skillset | |
| Q3 | Dementia and Behaviours Skillset |
|
| Q4 | Medicines and Dementia Skillset |
Interested in this training plan?
Contact Ausmed today and see how you can enahnce your staff's professional development and training requirements!
Survey Questions to Assess Confidence in Dementia Care and Skills
Surveying is a quick and easy way to assess your staff's competency and skills in their practice. Here is a sample set of six survey questions you could use to evaluate the skill of dementia.
-
How confident are you in identifying the early symptoms of dementia?
- 1. Not confident at all
- 2. Somewhat confident
- 3. Confident
- 4. Very confident
- 5. Extremely confident
-
How comfortable are you in communicating with a dementia patient?
- 1. Not comfortable at all
- 2. Somewhat comfortable
- 3. Comfortable
- 4. Very comfortable
- 5. Extremely comfortable
-
Do you feel you have adequate training to manage a dementia crisis?
- Yes
- Somewhat
- No
-
How well do you think you can manage the behavioural symptoms of dementia?
- 1. Not well at all
- 2. Somewhat well
- 3. Well
- 4. Very well
- 5. Extremely well
-
How confident are you in your knowledge of medication management for dementia patients?
- 1. Not confident at all
- 2. Somewhat confident
- 3. Confident
- 4. Very confident
- 5. Extremely confident
-
Do you feel confident to provide emotional support to families of dementia patients?
- 1. Not confident at all
- 2. Somewhat confident
- 3. Confident
- 4. Very confident
- 5. Extremely confident
-
How confident are you in your overall skills in dementia care?
- 1. Not confident at all
- 2. Somewhat confident
- 3. Neutral
- 4. Very confident
- 5. Extremely confident
-
Can you evaluate a team member’s aptitude for patient-centred care?
- Yes
- Somewhat
- No
Conclusion
Addressing the growing concern of dementia in healthcare settings is pivotal for patient welfare and staff satisfaction. Comprehensive training programs that align with national guidelines offer the backbone for competent dementia care. Healthcare organisations can greatly benefit from a multipronged approach to dementia training that combines formal assessments, peer reviews, mentorship programs, and online resources. By continuously evaluating and supporting staff competency, healthcare providers can ensure that both patients and their families experience the best possible outcomes.
References
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2023). https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au.
- Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. (2021). Restrictive Practices. https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/minimising-restrictive-practices
- Dementia Australia. (2022). https://www.dementia.org.au/.
