This elearning course uses storytelling techniques and interactive activities to deliver online training in elder abuse prevention and response. There are two versions of the course: One for direct care workers and one for managers and supervisors.
The course consists of eight interactive case studies depicting instances of elder abuse. Each scenario is introduced through a short, animated video.
Over the eight modules, the scenarios represent different forms of elder abuse including physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, psychological and social abuse and unintentional and intentional neglect. A scenario around the inappropriate use of chemical restraint is also included.
Care workers and managers learn how to respond to different scenarios of suspected, witnessed and disclosed abuse with the help of flowcharts, prompts and interactive activities.
The online course addresses key barriers to reporting abuse from the perspective of aged-care staff. These barriers were identified through a comprehensive literature review, user research and consultation with staff.
This research found that barriers to effective response and reporting of elder abuse include concerns about confidentiality, cultural differences and unclear escalation procedures.
The project involved an extensive phase of co-design and collaboration. A diverse working group consisting of both carers and health professionals contributed their expertise and experience.
Interspersed through the scenarios are quick checklists to ascertain how confident the care worker and/or manager feels around recognising signs of physical, sexual and psychological abuse.
This data will enable aged care providers to identify areas where further training is required.
The elearning course for managers and supervisors covers how to identify reportable assaults including unreasonable use of force on a care recipient and unlawful sexual contact.
Reporting requirements and protocols are outlined in an easy-to-understand way.
Each module is highly visual and interactive. To promote engagement with the learning, the course includes real workers, clients and workplaces in the photographic case studies.
This enables learners to see and hear their peers applying skills and knowledge in their interactions with real clients in familiar settings.
Information sheets with flowcharts, factsheets, checklists and procedures are available throughout the modules and can easily be downloaded and referred to offline and/or in the workplace.
The online modules allow learners to complete professional development training in their own time, at their own pace and from their workplaces across the state of Western Australia.
The course can be accessed anytime from any location with an internet connection through its web-based delivery. This increases training opportunities for regional and remote health workers and carers.
This project was funded by WA Primary Health Alliance and was developed in partnership with West Australian Community Health Services (WACHS) and Advocare, to provide training opportunities for the geographically diverse aged-care workforce in West Australia’s regional, rural and remote communities.
The online course complements a series of face-to-face workshops that is currently being delivered by Advocare throughout Western Australia.
Contact us today to start designing and developing a similar course for your aged care workforce.
