Development of a structured education & psychosocial program for support workers-home ventilation program

Abstract

Introduction: International guidelines recommend the use of awake trained support workers for children who require chronic long-term home ventilation. To ensure that consistent and adequate care is provided a tailored education program is ideal but not always achieved. Similarly, psychosocial support for staff in managing the needs of families of children requiring long term ventilation is often lacking, despite the recognised challenges that can be faced when caring for these unique children. The aim of this study is to describe the development of a recently established education and psychosocial program specific for support workers, which currently cares for 14 patients dependent on long-term home ventilation. Methods: A two component program was developed over a 12-month period led by the home ventilation nurse educator, social worker and clinical psychiatrist. Newly enrolled staff were required to undertake this program at induction and were provided refresher session (clinical and psychosocial) at least twice a year. Existing support workers were also encouraged to participate in the refresher sessions particularly those on personal well being. Results: The education component is 2 core modules covering background theory and practical skills. The psychosocial component included sessions on managing care in a home environment, interactions with families of children with complex needs and how to establish clear support worker-family boundaries in this role. Personal well being was included alongside child and family well being. At refresher sessions support workers were given the opportunity to de-brief on specific scenarios and challenges faced. Overall 29 new staff completed the 3 day induction program, 61 participated in yearly refresher skills training and 45 attended wellbeing sessions. Positive feedback was received regarding all sessions but the value of the wellbeing sessions in particular was highlighted. Discussion: A structured program has been developed and established for support workers employed by the home ventilation program at our centre. This study highlighted the importance of providing psychosocial care to support workers and provides a model that may be of interest to others working in this field.L6246120402018-11-01 <br />