Impact of a practical workshop on the knowledge and skills of caregivers on usage of mobility devices

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mobility devices are essential for many senior citizens living in senior citizen centers for their mobility. In the process of using mobility devices they are assisted by the caregivers. But majority of the caregivers are untrained or under trained of handling the mobility devices. OBJECTIVES: To describe the impact of a workshop on knowledge and skills of caregivers on usage and handling of mobility devices. METHODS: The workshop was a part of a series of training programs for caregivers. 30 caregivers serving in the elder care homes participated to the study. The training was a one day workshop consisting of lectures, group discussions, demonstrations and practical sessions on walking sticks, crutches, walking frames and wheel chairs. The knowledge and skills of the participants were measured pre and post workshop by written and practical assessment. RESULTS: Only 3 (10%) of the participants had received a training on mobility devices before. Among the participants 21 (70%) had worked less than 2 years, 6 (20%) for 2-4 years and 3 (10%) for more than 4 years as caregivers. Regarding skills, the number of participants who obtained pass marks at pre and post training assessments were one and 28 respectively. Same for knowledge were zero and 27. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in the structured workshop had improved the knowledge and skills of caregivers on usage and handling of mobility devices. Similar training is recommended for all the care givers.