The role of education and training in achieving change in care homes: a literature review

Abstract

Care homes play a vital role in the provision of support for the frailest members of our society, and given the demographic trends their role will continue for the foreseeable future. However, there remain enduring concerns about the quality of care such homes provide. Training and education for staff are often seen as the key to raising standards and as such are widely promoted. This paper presents a conceptual review and synthesis of the literature on the role of education and training in initiating and supporting change in care homes. A systematic method to the identification of sources was adopted, and a rigorous three-stage approach to analysis applied. The review identifies the barriers and facilitators to change and concludes that education is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for success. Rather it is argued that the role and status of care homes needs to be raised, and that a relationship-centred approach to care adopted, which acknowledges the importance of attending to the needs of all those who live in, work in, or visit care homes.

Physical activity promotion in care homes

“…Training efforts are however often seen as ineffective if they 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 are not associated with a range of wider supportive 'capacity' conditions such as: a readiness to change; effective leadership and support from management; ability to practice learning, and adequate financing and resources (Nolan et al, 2008). Ultimately, it is argued that whilst training can effectively influence change within this sector, it should not be seen in itself as wholly sufficient or a 'quick fix' (Lindeman et al, 2003).…”

Dying in a rural residential aged care facility: An action research and reflection project to improve end‐of‐life care to residents with a non‐malignant disease

“…In contrast, Nolan et al (2008) reviewed the literature on education and training and the relationship to change in care homes in the United Kingdom and argued that education was one component of improving care and sustaining change, however, it was not the only solution to address the problems aged care facilities faced in caring for residents. Rather, for Nolan et al (2008), keys to succeeding in raising the standards of care were in improving the image of aged care as a discipline, adopting a "relationship-centred approach to care" and incorporating a holistic approach to care (p. 412).…”

“…Rather, for Nolan et al (2008), keys to succeeding in raising the standards of care were in improving the image of aged care as a discipline, adopting a "relationship-centred approach to care" and incorporating a holistic approach to care (p. 412). Overall, the changing profile of the Australian and international aged care workforce to a predominately, less qualified staffing profile, highlights potential areas of concern regarding the quality of care being delivered to older residents in residential aged care facilities (Badger et al, 2009;Holloway & McConigley, 2009;Maas et al, 2008b;Tuckett, 2007;Winzelberg, 2003).…”

Formal Caregivers' health characterization and self-perception: implications for long-term care practicess

“…They are defined as the workers who provide personal care (such as bathing, dressing, toileting and eating), support in instrumental activities of daily living, comfort, companionship and basic health care (administering medications and measuring vital signs) (Smith & Baughman, 2007). Formal caregivers' interpersonal skills, technical abilities and well-being have great influence on the quality of care provided (Castle & Engberg, 2007;Nolan et al, 2008). However, there are some barriers which could affect their well-being, such as long hours, poor pay (minimum wage), minimal benefits, few opportunities for job advancement and being prone to injury ( Jorgensen et al, 2009;Mustard et al, 2010;Smith & Baughman, 2007;Wilner, 2000).…”

“…In the last decade a growing number of studies regarding formal caregivers have emerged, focusing particularly on: (1) formal caregivers' socio-demographic profile (gender, age, education level, marital status) and work conditions (including wages, benefits, organization culture, and satisfaction) ( Jorgensen et al, 2009;Montgomery et al, 2005;Potter et al, 2006;Smith & Baughman, 2007;Wilner, 2000); (2) training and/or educational interventions (Aylward et al, 2003;Beer et al, 2010;Nolan et al, 2008); (3) the impact of work conditions on workers' satisfaction and performance (Ejaz et al, 2008;Kemper et al, 2008;Morris, 2009); and (4) stress and burnout (Duffy et al, 2009;Edvardsson et al, 2009;Jenkins & Allen, 1998). However, little attention has been given to their health perception and associated factors.…”