Authors (including presenting author) :
Tam YY, Lau ML, Tang LN, Ma CY, Yung CY, Lui KY, Tong MY, Choi KK, Chan OL, Yue SS, Ng YB
Affiliation :
Department of Medicine and Geriatric, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
It is well-known that with increasing aging population in Hong Kong, the prevalence of dementia is also increasing. In the Report on Dementia published by WHO in 2012, it was said that the capacity-building of the workforce is essential to improve knowledge and awareness of the benefits of a coordinated response to dementia care. Apart from the PRCC in Gerontological Nursing by IANS, there is no other structured and focused education on dementia care available to nurses in HA. Although there are some dementia courses organized by NGOs, most are not comprehensive and not entirely fit to the clinical field. Also, there are not enough opportunities for nurses to know the whole spectrum, from hospital to community resources, of dementia service in Hong Kong. Thus, in the United Christian Hospital, a structured dementia training program including theory and practicum was designed to enhance nurses’ competencies in skill and knowledge on dementia case management.
Objectives :
1. To build up workforce capacity and competency on dementia case management of Geriatric nurses 2. To enrich knowledge and skills of nurses in operating a nurse clinic 3. To optimize support for nurses to handle dementia cases by providing specialized training
Methodology :
The training team comprises 3 experienced APNs of the existing operations team of the Integrated Cognitive Clinic (ICAC). The objectives of the training program were discussed with and agreed by the nursing management team. 4 RNs with PRCC(Gerontology) qualification were nominated by WMs from 2 acute geriatric wards. The content of this comprehensive training was meticulously designed, with some input from geriatricians with special interest in dementia. From assessment tool to diagnosis, care planning and community resources for elders with mild to advanced dementia. Also, a 6-months clinical attachment at ICAC in UCH would be arranged. The attachment provided coaching on assessment tool skills by senior occupational therapist, care planning skill by experienced nurses specialized in dementia care and clinical management by geriatrician through case discussion. Target participants also attended Certified Dementia Care Planner course for supplementary theoretical knowledge. A practical log book was designed to record and monitor the learning progress.
Result & Outcome :
Results: From Jan 2018 to Dec 2018, a total 3 RNs were trained. The participants applauded the training program and expressed its usefulness. Self-evaluated competency on handling dementia cases and self-rated satisfaction on the program were found to have increased. They treasure the opportunity to participate in the training program, especially the clinic attachment. Conclusions: This theory-cum-practicum training on dementia care not just build up the capacity of Geriatric Nurses but also prepare the workforce for future needs/ expansion of the dementia population.
Co-location with:
