Authors (including presenting author) :
Chung MK(1),Babbitt WOUN(1), LEUNG CP(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Nursing Services Division, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
Keyword 1: :
Patient Care Assistants
Keyword 2: :
Interactive Learning
Keyword 3: :
Skill Enhancement
Keyword 5: :
Nursing Quality
Introduction :
The Advanced Program for Care-related Supporting Staff was initiated in response to the need to improve the quality of nursing care and address high attrition rates among PCAs. Exit interviews revealed that some staff members felt they had not received systematic training after their Onboarding Care-related Support Worker Training courses. This gap highlighted the necessity for a structured program to enhance the knowledge and skills of supporting staff.
Objectives :
The main objective of this program was to provide PCAs with the latest information and techniques related to clinical nursing practices, thereby improving the overall quality of patient care. Additionally, the program aimed to foster an interactive learning environment that enhances participants' practical skills while increasing their sense of belonging within the healthcare team.
Methodology :
The program was conducted in two sessions during July and November 2025 and covered essential topics important for care-related supporting staff. The subjects included safe feeding practices, confirmation of patient identity, techniques for safely assisting patient mobility, stress relief workshops, prevention and response strategies for workplace violence, best practices in patient restraint management, fall prevention, and the prevention and care of pressure injuries and incontinence-associated dermatitis. Additionally, updates on ward infection control practices were provided. Experts, including speech therapists, APN, ANC, physical therapists, and managers from emergency psychological services, facilitated the training, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each topic.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 15 participants attended the program across both sessions, with a high feedback response rate of 90%. Remarkably, 100% of participants agreed that the course objectives were met, and 100% expressed satisfaction with the overall program. Additionally, 100% stated they would recommend the course to their colleagues. Comments reflected the practical nature of the training, with participants noting that "all sections were very useful! They not only helped existing staff to refresh their knowledge but were also extremely beneficial for new staff!"In conclusion, the Program successfully enhanced the knowledge and skills of participants, promoting higher quality patient care. To build on this success and further improve nursing quality, the program will be conducted quarterly. This regular offering will ensure that the knowledge remains current and that all staff have continuous access to the training needed to excel in their roles. By addressing critical training gaps and fostering a collaborative learning environment, the program aims to reduce attrition rates and support the ongoing development of skilled staff in the healthcare environment.
