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:

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.

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

1. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2023). https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au.
2. Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. (2021). Restrictive Practices. https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/minimising-restrictive-practices
3. Dementia Australia. (2022). https://www.dementia.org.au/.