Article

OBJECTIVE: To compare two approaches to providing training to care assistants in
Parkinson's disease. DESIGN: Pragmatic parallel arm controlled trial. SETTING:
Training either by an interactive training day at a local medical education
establishment or self study. SUBJECTS: Care assistants recruited from local
health and social care providers. INTERVENTIONS:
The content of both
interventions was similar, covering causes, symptoms, diagnosis of Parkinson's
disease, multidisciplinary management, mobility, communication, swallowing, and
involving 5 hours of study time. MAIN MEASURES: Knowledge about Parkinson's
(assessed by true/false quizzes and identifying 'four facts' about Parkinson's)
immediately post training and six weeks later; views on training methods of care
assistants and employers/managers. RESULTS: Thirty-seven employers nominated 100
care staff who were allocated to interactive training (49) and self study (51).
Training completion rates (retained to six-week follow-up) were lower for self
study (42.1% vs. 83.7% training day). There were no significant differences
between groups on quiz or 'four facts' scores at baseline or six-week follow-up.
Immediately post training, the self-study group (with access to written
materials) had significantly higher quiz scores than the training day group (no
access to materials at test). Within-group comparisons showed improvements post
training. Although interactive training may be preferred, obtaining release from
duties can be problematic. CONCLUSIONS: Both approaches have similar effects on knowledge of care assistants without prior specific training. Providing a variety
of approaches will cater for all preferences. The findings may be generalizable
to training the care workforce for other specific roles.

Langue : ANGLAIS