Training Needs Among Healthcare Professionals Managing Patients with Dementia

• Main Authors: Ng, Nicholas Tse Hao, Tan, Maw Pin *
• Format: Article
• Published: Asian Association for Frailty and Sarcopenia 2022
• Subjects: RA Public aspects of medicine; RC Internal medicine
• Online Access: http://eprints.sunway.edu.my/3032/; https://doi.org/10.33879/AMH.131.2020.10041
• Institution: Sunway University

Background/Purpose: The number of persons living with dementia in Malaysia is increasing rapidly. Training on dementia care among healthcare professionals (HCP), however, remains limited. This study aims to identify current barriers, needs and expectations in training from the perspective of HCP to inform future training developments. Methods: A paper-based survey on demographics, training experience, perceived barriers and training needs was conducted among HCP attending a national geriatric conference in Malaysia. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 202 (84%) respondents, 83 (41.3%) doctors, and all respondents currently cared for older patients. 117 (58.8%) had previously received training on dementia care. Respondents who had no prior dementia training were more likely to think that there was no training courses available [odds ratio, OR (95% confidence interval, CI) =3.429 (1.656-7.099)]. Doctors were more likely to have difficulty taking time off for training [OR (95%CI)=2.667 (1.285-5.536)] and prefer weekend courses [OR (95%CI)=4.108 (2.238-7.542)]. HCP who perceived a lack of courses as a barrier were more likely to prefer 2 to 3-day courses in weekday [OR (95%CI)=2.343 (1.122-4.893)]. HCP who perceived difficulty taking time off from work to attend training as a barrier were more likely to prefer weekend training courses [OR (95%CI)=3.036 (1.442-6.390)]. Conclusion: Not all HCP caring for older adults in Malaysia had received prior training in dementia care. Lack of courses and difficulty taking time off from work were common barriers to training. Perceived training barriers influenced training course preference among HCP. Respondents’ profession, experience and prior training also influenced perceived barriers and future training preferences. Future studies should explore the outcomes and advantages of various dementia training programmes as well as identify skill gaps in HCP managing persons living with dementia and ways to overcome them.