Abstract:
Aim: To determine the impact of a healthcare assistant education programme on the quality of care for older people living in a residential home in Auckland, New Zealand. Method: A pre- and post-intervention evaluation study was undertaken within a residential home for older people. Quality of care was established by two periods of non-participant time-sampling observation of residents, separated by a programme of 10 interactive teaching sessions for healthcare assistants. Informed consent was gained from all observed residents and staff. Results: Using the Quality Assessment Project (QAP) quality measure, the nonparticipant time-sampling observation data identified a 12.5% increase in resident care that was considered appropriate and adequate (chi-squared=12.05) - and an 11.53% decrease in resident care that was considered inappropriate and inadequate (chi-squared=11.43). The intermediate grades did not alter significantly. Residents with low functional activity scores (Barthel Index) received better care after the education intervention (chi-squared=32.99), as did residents with moderate cognitive impairment (Abbreviated Mental Test Score [AMTS]<8/10). Conclusion: Healthcare assistant education can positively impact on the quality of care given to older people in residential care.