The representation of personal support workers in dementia-specific learning need assessments: a scoping review

Abstract

ABSTRACT In formal care organizations, personal support workers (PSWs) provide the most daily direct care to people living with dementia. PSWs receive the least comprehensive education and have the fewest opportunities for continuing education compared to nurses and physicians. PSWs need to be provided with opportunities for continuous education programs tailored to their specific learning needs to improve dementia car Conducted in accordance with the JBI guidelines for scoping reviews, this review examined the ways in which PSWs are included within dementia-specific learning needs assessments and how their learning needs are assessed. Eligible studies were published in English between 2000 – 2023. Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and PsycINFO databases were searched in July 2023. Seventeen studies were included in the review. PSWs represented the entirety of the sample populations in only two studies. Within the remaining fifteen studies, PSWs comprised less than half of the sample population in seven studies. Furthermore, the learning needs of PSWs were not analyzed separately from other professionals in eight studies. Learning needs in dementia care were only explored broadly in five studies. Surveys represented the primary data collection method (n = 13), with nine using them as the sole data collection method This review presents a critical need to explore PSW perspectives on dementia-specific learning needs. Improved understanding of the gaps in PSWs’ knowledge, attitudes, and/or skills related to dementia care is urgently needed to better inform and focus discipline specific and concentrated PSW training in the future.