Establishing and Measuring Communication Competencies for Aged-Care Workers “What makes a competent communicator in aged care settings?” An E-Delphi Study
Tracks
Harbour View 1
Education and Training
Employee Management
Hearing
Implementation
Vision
| Thursday, November 14, 2024 |
| 2:15 PM - 2:30 PM |
Speaker
Ms Bridget Burton
Phd Student
The University of Queensland
Establishing and Measuring Communication Competencies for Aged-Care Workers “What makes a competent communicator in aged care settings?” An E-Delphi Study
Abstract
Background. Aged care recipients have diverse communication needs. Communication training programs can be effective in improving the quality of care provided to individuals with communication support needs. Communication training that is tailored for the Australian aged care sector, may support aged care recipients’ autonomy and engagement in decision-making about their own care. However, to ensure that training is effective, there is a need to identify core communication competencies (knowledge, skills, attitudes, values) for aged care workers.
Aims. 1) To establish a set of consensus-based communication competencies for nurses and personal care workers, and 2) to develop a tool for measuring the acquisition of identified competencies.
Methods. This study will use an E-Delphi design comprising 5 online focus groups, and two survey rounds. Key stakeholders (n = 25) will be recruited to form an ‘expert panel’. During focus groups, expert panel members will respond to the stimulus question, “What makes a competent communicator in aged care?” Ideas generated will be documented on an online collaboration platform (Miro), and categorised into values, attitudes, knowledge and skills. To establish consensus, panel members will vote on competencies via two survey rounds. Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics.
Findings. Ethical approval has been received and data collection will commence in May 2024.
Conclusion. Identified communication competencies will inform the co-design of a communication training program for Australian aged care workers. It is hoped that these competencies will be adopted by regulatory and accreditation bodies, to improve the quality of care provided to older Australians.
Aims. 1) To establish a set of consensus-based communication competencies for nurses and personal care workers, and 2) to develop a tool for measuring the acquisition of identified competencies.
Methods. This study will use an E-Delphi design comprising 5 online focus groups, and two survey rounds. Key stakeholders (n = 25) will be recruited to form an ‘expert panel’. During focus groups, expert panel members will respond to the stimulus question, “What makes a competent communicator in aged care?” Ideas generated will be documented on an online collaboration platform (Miro), and categorised into values, attitudes, knowledge and skills. To establish consensus, panel members will vote on competencies via two survey rounds. Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics.
Findings. Ethical approval has been received and data collection will commence in May 2024.
Conclusion. Identified communication competencies will inform the co-design of a communication training program for Australian aged care workers. It is hoped that these competencies will be adopted by regulatory and accreditation bodies, to improve the quality of care provided to older Australians.
Biography
Ms Bridget Burton
Bridget is an experienced speech pathologist and researcher, who has worked across health, research and higher-education settings. Her interests include human-centered design, co-design and consumer engagement, as well as health policy. She is passionate about improving both health and aged care services for Australians with communication disabilities. Currently, Bridget is completing her PhD, where she is exploring factors to inform the co-design of a communication training skill program for the aged care workforce. Through her research, Bridget aims to contribute to the development of more effective and compassionate care for older Australians.
