Training Program For Workers Research Articles

Impacto emocional de un programa pionero de simulación médica avanzada para residentes de cardiología: más allá de las habilidades técnicas

Simulation is a learning method based on experience, which has become increasingly more present in training programs in medicine. Interactive, reflective scenarios or even with the possibility of putting non-technical skills or technical resources into practice, from diagnosis to treatment, make simulation an expanding tool. The Spanish Society of Cardiology has included simulation among its training activities, promoting the training of teachers, specific work groups and training programs during the different stages of residents. The organization of this form of learning implies an adequate structuring, for which a correct introduction to the scenario or case (briefing) and, very especially, the subsequent reflective conversation (debriefing) is essential. To objectively evaluate the results of these programs, different scales have been implemented. These scales allow the evaluation of several important aspects, such as previous knowledge, participants’ perception of the activity or even the emotional impact of complex scenarios. Simulation is a growing learning method, with a clear usefulness in the acquisition of both theoretical and, specially, technical, and non-technical skills. It has become evident that simulation has come to stay, and that it will be increasingly used in skills development of future cardiologists in training and other clinical specialties.

Piloting a training program for community health workers for type 2 diabetes mellitus in Telangana, India

Objectives: The burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus in India is increasing to epic proportions with 74.2 million living with diabetes. More individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds and from rural/semi-urban backgrounds are presenting with the condition. Healthcare affordability and accessibility is often a challenge for such individuals. Hence, Accredited Social Health Activists and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives/Multipurpose Health Worker cadres of health workers in India have been entrusted with Non-Communicable Diseases portfolio. A randomized controlled trial was designed to train these health workers. The aim of the study is to pilot the training module developed for the RCT trial and revise the same according to the feedback received. Materials and Methods: Ethical clearance and trial registration were obtained from IIPHH and CTRI respectively. The pilot was conducted at a neutral venue with ASHA and ANM/MPHA cadres using a tool for feedback for each of the training sections. Results: All the participants found the module useful. Certain modifications were suggested and the same were incorporated into the final training module. Conclusion: The training module was successfully validated.

Perceived barriers and enablers influencing health extension workers toward home-based hypertension screening in rural northwest Ethiopia: interpretive descriptive study

BackgroundHypertension, a major but modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, is a global health problem including Ethiopia. In a limited infrastructure task sharing of hypertension screening for community health workers is a feasible strategy to improve hypertension management. Recent finding have shown that trained health extension workers (HEWs) can identify high blood pressure, which was effective and feasible. Identifying barriers and enablers for home-based hypertension screening by HEWs is crucial for its implementation. This study aimed to explore barriers and enablers that influence health extension workers’ home-based hypertension screening in the community.MethodsThe interpretive descriptive design was implemented. In-depth interviews were conducted during October, 2020. A total of 26 participants including HEWs, supervisors, and heads of district health office were purposively selected. They were asked to describe their perception toward home-based hypertension screening by the HEWs. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim into Amharic, and translated into English. The transcripts were coded and themes were identified. Thematic approach was used for data analysis.ResultsThe participants identified key perceived barriers and enablers of HEWs home-based hypertension screening. The most common barriers were a lack of hypertension training, blood pressure measuring devices, blood pressure guidelines and manuals, skilled HEWs, financial incentives, and poor community awareness of the disease. The most common enablers were support from community leaders, presence of functional development army and community trust for HEWs, presence of routine campaign on vaccination and community based health insurance, and an integrated health system.ConclusionsOur findings have implications for the HEWs' ongoing implementation of home-based hypertension screening. Successful implementation of this strategy requires scaling up of hypertension training programs for health extension workers and their supervisors, provision of standardized protocols, provision of adequate blood pressure measuring equipment, and regular supportive supervision.

Development of public administration of the health care system and pharmacy in Ukraine

The study of public administration in the field of health care system of Ukraine is a very promising direction due to the problems of public administration in the field.
 Healthcare scientists, in particular pharmacy, have presented quite a few works where public administration of the medical industry is considered as a subject of research. There are no comprehensive studies on this topic that would take into account the current trends in its development.
 The purpose of the study is to highlight the essence of public administration, analyze its stages and the history of its emergence and further development in the field of health care of Ukraine. The object of the study is information from relevant legal acts regulating the basic principles of public health care management. The information sources were data from online resources about the formation of state policy in the field of protection in Ukraine, informational materials about the essence, theoretical, scientific and social basis of the emergence of public administration. Documentary, informative, empirical research methods (generalization, comparison), document study were used for the research.
 The theoretical, methodological and scientific and practical principles of public administration in health care of Ukraine are considered. Normative legal acts have been developed that regulate the basic principles of public administration in health care, determine the goals of public administration bodies and establish their legal status.
 It was determined that the need to improve the policy in the field of health care system, in accordance with modern needs, which is carried out by public administration bodies, is extremely relevant and important for Ukraine.
 To improve public administration in accordance with updated public expectations, modern training programs for health care workers in the post-graduate education system are needed, as well as the training of specialists at the second (master's) level of higher pharmaceutical education, in particular, the educational and professional program «Health Technology Assessment».

Developing a training programme for midwives and maternity support workers facilitating a novel intervention to support women with anxiety in pregnancy

BackgroundThe RAPID-2 intervention has been developed to support women with symptoms of mild-to-moderate anxiety in pregnancy. The intervention consists of supportive discussions with midwives, facilitated discussion groups and access to self-management materials. This paper reports the development of a training programme to prepare midwives and maternity support workers to facilitate the intervention.MethodsKern’s six-step approach for curriculum development was used to identify midwives and maternity support workers training needs to help support pregnant women with anxiety and facilitate a supportive intervention. The stages of development included feedback from a preliminary study, stakeholder engagement, a review of the literature surrounding midwives’ learning and support needs and identifying and supporting the essential process and functions of the RAPID intervention.ResultsMidwives’ reported training needs were mapped against perinatal mental health competency frameworks to identify areas of skills and training needed to facilitate specific intervention mechanisms and components. A training plan was developed which considered the need to provide training with minimal additional resources and within midwives’ scope of practice. The training plan consists of two workshop teaching sessions and a training manual.ConclusionFuture implementation is planned to include a post-training evaluation of the skills and competencies required to fully evaluate the comprehensive programme and deliver the RAPID-2 intervention as planned. In addition, the RAPID-2 study protocol includes a qualitative evaluation of facilitators’ views of the usefulness of the training programme.

Evaluation of the good night out campaign: a sexual violence bystander training programme for nightlife workers in England

AimSexual violence is global public health, human rights and gender equality issue. Sexual violence bystander programmes for nightlife workers are emerging across a few countries and further examination of such programmes is required. This exploratory study evaluates the potential effectiveness of the Good Night Out Campaign, a sexual violence bystander programme for nightlife workers.Subject and methodsTwo hundred and seven trainees attending the 1.5 hour training programme across two cities in England were recruited opportunistically, immediately prior to training delivery. Sexual violence myth acceptance and readiness and confidence to intervene in sexual violence were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Analyses used paired-sample tests to examine differences in the three measurements pre to post-training and effect sizes were quantified using Cohen’s d.ResultsCompared to pre-training, post-training participants were significantly (p < 0.001) less likely to agree with sexual violence myths, and more likely to be confident and ready to intervene in sexual violence or incidents of vulnerability. Effect sizes were small–medium.ConclusionsThe study adds to emergent evidence suggesting that sexual violence bystander programmes may be promising in decreasing sexual violence myths and barriers to bystander intervention, and increasing willingness to intervene amongst nightlife workers. Findings can support the emergence of sexual violence prevention activities implemented in nightlife spaces. Further programme implementation and evaluation using experimental designs is needed to explore outcomes in greater depth, considering the complexity of the nightlife environment.

Certification training of social workers and social managers: the experience of Ukrainian Catholic University

The article defines the need and relevance of creating different training programs for social workers and social managers in the post-graduate system taking into consideration the development of a new system of social work and rapid social transformations in Ukraine. The authors emphasize the need to develop new approaches to providing “long life education”, such as short-term educational programs. The last should correspond to the "Global Standards for Social Work Education and Training" and the competency-based approach to learning. The paper presents the certificate program "Social work: the path to professionalism", developed by the professors of the Pedagogy and Social Work Department of Ukrainian Catholic University in response to numerous requests from employers. The structure of the program is highlighted: it has three levels - basic, professional and managerial; each of which contains several training modules. Its content is characterized. The algorithm of the implementation of the Certificate program in the process of improving the qualifications of social workers and managers of social service providers in the territorial communities of Rivne, Volyn, Khmelnytskyi and Chernivtsi regions is described. The procedure for selecting learners and the organization of the educational process due to the program has been characterized. The results of the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Certificate program "Social work: the path to professionalism", which was implemented by the "Ukrainian Catholic University" in the process of improving the qualifications of social workers and social managers of communal and public sector institutions that provide social services in territorial communities, are presented. It has been proven that a competent approach to educational process, taking into account the professional needs of potential learners, a hybrid, flexible format and personalization of training, the use of various forms and methods while presenting educational material, an inextricable connection between theoretical concepts and practice, as well as reinforcement by the speakers' own professional experience, gives a good result in improving the qualifications of those who are already in the profession and wish to be better in it. The results of evaluating of the effectiveness of the developed program among the participants involved in the training proved the success of its implementation in the proposed format.

Evaluation of COVID-19 ECHO training program for healthcare workers in India - A Mixed-Method Study

BackgroundThe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has severely challenged healthcare delivery systems worldwide. Healthcare Workers were unable to assess and manage the cases due to limited knowledge of treating the virus and inadequate infrastructure. Digital interventions played a crucial role in the training of healthcare workers to get through the pandemic. Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) initiated the COVID-ECHO telementoring program for strengthening the knowledge and skills of healthcare workers. The study aimed at assessing the effects of the ECHO telementoring model in the capacity building of healthcare workers in the context of COVID-19 in India.MethodWe adopted a mixed-method approach with a parallel combination design. A quantitative survey was used to measure changes in the knowledge and self-efficacy among doctors and nurses. In-depth Interviews were used for qualitative exploration of perceptions and experiences of all the study participants. Student t-test and ANOVA were used to assess significant differences between mean scores across participant characteristics for different themes. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. In-depth Interviews were analyzed using Framework Analysis. The evaluation followed the first five levels of Moore’s model.ResultsThe results highlighted the strengthening of knowledge and skills of healthcare workers in the assessment and management of COVID-19 after the ECHO training. Learning and performance ratings were high as 96% reported an increase in knowledge and 98% were able to apply it in their clinical practices. The key challenges identified were technical issues like internet connectivity and lack of interaction due to limited visual connection. The hybrid sessions, use of video camera, feedback mechanism, and inclusion of Continuing Medical Education were recommended by participants to improve the model.ConclusionsThe findings of this study are an important addition to the pre-existing literature supporting the replicability of the ECHO model in the upskilling of healthcare professionals working in underserved and remote areas, not only in the context of COVID-19 but also in other public health domains. To enhance the effectiveness of this ECHO model, the study findings may be used to refine the model and improve the areas of concern.

Recruiting and nurturing social workers in Hong Kong and Australia

We compare the systems of social work education and training in Hong Kong and Australia according to three aspects: (1) the admission criteria for candidates of social work training programmes, (2) the quality of social work training and (3) the induction of novice social workers into professional practice.

Myths and misconception of COVID-19 among hospital sanitary workers in Pakistan: Efficacy of a training program intervention

ObjectiveHospital sanitary workers are among the prime source to disseminate information at a massive level, however they received least attention during the pandemic COVID-19. The study was designed to investigate the prevailing myths and misconceptions of the coronavirus pandemic among the sanitary workers of health care system. Further, a systematic training program is devised and tested to demystify the false myths with discerning truth and awareness-raising in hospital sanitary workers.MethodA pre-post face-to-face intervention design was opted and the intervention was conducted at five locations by the project team. The intervention consisted a 3 days training program to target myths and misconceptions of hospital sanitary workers. The study was completed in 8 months starting from August, 2019 to March, 2020. Participants were recruited from local hospitals having a specialized indoor COVID treatment facility. The sample consisted of 82 participants (n = 25, 30.09% females) with age ranging from 18 to 60 years (M ± SD = 37.41 ± 10.09).FindingsThe results indicated that 86.4% of the participants never heard the name of the coronavirus before the pandemic in Pakistan. A majority of the participants (> 50%) believed on a very alarming but unrealistic rate of mortality i.e., 30–60%. The pre-testing showed a high prevalence of myths in all four domains (i.e., popular treatments = 24.44, conspiracy myths = 7.93, home remedies = 16.46, and COVID-reliance = 7.82). The pre and post comparison of individual myths showed significant improvement on 24 of the 26 myths with a decline ranging from 0.18 to 1.63. Overall, the intervention significantly decreased scores on all four domains of coronavirus myths.ConclusionThe training intervention appeared to effectively reduce myths and misconceptions of sanitary staff workers and is advised to be included as a standard training program for sanitary workers of health care system.

Основные факторы производительности труда в регионах Центрального федерального округа

To assess the impact of production factors on labor productivity in the regions of the Central Federal District, based on cross-regional data, econometric models were built. At the same time, the hypothesis was evaluated that in the process of transition to a post-industrial economy, along with traditional factors, labor productivity is significantly influenced by human capital and new technologies. When performing research, econometric models were obtained in the form of internally linear functions. As a factor of new technologies that determines labor productivity, we used data on the share of innovation costs in the total output of enterprises and organizations in the region. As human capital factors, we used data on the average level of education of employees in the region, which was estimated by the average length of their education in the education system, as well as on the shares of employed workers with different levels of education. The results obtained allow us to conclude that in the regions of the Central Federal District, labor productivity, new technologies in the form of innovation and the human capital of employed workers, measured by the level of education, have a significant positive impact on productivity. The use of labor of workers with higher education and the labor of workers with secondary vocational education who have been trained in training programs for mid-level specialists has a positive impact on labor productivity. Labor productivity is negatively affected by the use of labor of workers with secondary vocational education in training programs for skilled workers and employees, the use of labor of workers with secondary general education, basic general education, who also do not have basic general education.

Integrating Oral Health into Primary Health Care: A Systematic Review of Oral Health Training in Sub-Saharan Africa.

BackgroundGlobally, oral health training has shown positive influence on knowledge, competency and practices for both oral and non-oral health-care workers towards integration of oral health into primary health care (PHC). Sub-Saharan Africa has very divergent social-cultural-political-economic settings. Since healthcare is contextual, it is necessary to review oral health training programs in this region to establish if their formulation, implementation and evaluation are context-reliant.ObjectiveTo assess if oral health trainings aimed at integrating oral health into PHC in sub-Saharan Africa were context-reliant.MethodologyThe reviewers searched five electronic databases and WHO sites. Selection of publications was done using the PRISMA framework. Oral health training programs for oral and non-oral health-care workers in sub-Saharan Africa published in English language between year 2001 and 2020 were included in the study.FindingsOnly 4 (0.8%) of the original 512 publications for oral health-care workers and 9 (1.5%) of the 613 for non-oral health-care workers publications met the inclusion criteria. Countries established and/or increased number of dental schools, 1 university adopted competency-based curriculum and 2 introduced community rotations. Dental auxiliaries varied by cadre, training duration and scope of practice. Non-oral health-care workers training programs used diverse approaches like pre-service, workshops and printed materials. Target groups for the trainings varied from nurses, traditional healers, health promotion officers to community health volunteers. Evaluations were done mainly using pre-post or quasi-experimental studies. Outcomes of interest varied from level of knowledge, services provision, early childhood caries, oral health seeking behavior and oral hygiene practices.ConclusionOral health training for integration of oral health into PHC in sub-Saharan Africa varied by targeted cadre, training methods and evaluation method and scope. It was thus context-reliant. More programs are necessary to accommodate other training approaches, evaluation methods and other health-care cadres in the region.

Dialysis practices during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey from India

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for dialysis units worldwide. Nephrologists are faced with the difficult task of providing renal replacement therapy to COVID-19 patients and simultaneously prevent spread of COVID-19 in dialysis units. Objectives: We aimed to study the dialysis practices being followed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and Methods: A questionnaire assessing treatment and preventive practices being followed in dialysis units during the COVID-19 pandemic was emailed to nephrologists and nephrology trainees practising in India. Responses were recorded electronically. Results: We received 173 valid responses. About 83.2% nephrologists were providing dialysis for COVID-19. Hemodialysis/slow low-efficient dialysis was the most common modality (65.2%) of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in COVID-19 acute kidney injury. In dialysis patients with suspicious symptoms, most common test to rule out COVID-19 was RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) + chest imaging ( 42.2%) followed by RT-PCR alone (34.1%). Around 80.9% nephrologists sought a negative RT-PCR in patients who had recovered from COVID-19 before discontinuation of isolation measures. Adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures varied between 15.2% (portable reverse osmosis disinfection) to 97.1% (mask wearing). Healthcare worker (HCW) training programme was present in 88.4% cases, paid leaves for COVID-19 in 89% and daily HCW symptom screen in 65.3%. The most frequently identified barrier to chronic kidney disease care was a delay in transplantation (66.5%). Accordingly, 20.8% reported a temporary closure of dialysis unit due to COVID-19 outbreak. Moreover, 63% of nephrologists counseled patients to choose peritoneal dialysis above hemodialysis as permanent RRT. Conclusion: Hemodialysis/slow low efficient dialysis is the preferred modality of RRT in COVID 19-AKI. Many nephrologists are counseling for peritoneal dialysis as superior to hemodialysis during COVID-19 for maintenance RRT. Preventive measure adherence is variable across centers. HCW safety has been addressed in most centers.

The Effect of Knowledge and Skills of Hospital Staff on the Hospitals’ Alertness and Security in Encountering Earthquake in Palu City, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

INTRODUCTION: Indonesia is one country that particularly experiences disasters, especially natural disasters. AIM: The current research was carried out aiming to determine the effect of knowledge and skills of hospitals staff on the hospital alertness and security in encountering earthquake. METHODS: This study applied an analytical survey method involving 184 health workers from three major hospitals in Palu City, Indonesia. In this case, data were collected through interviews and questionnaires which were then analyzed using the t-test and f-test to determine the partial and simultaneous effect of the independent on the dependent variable. RESULTS: Based on the analysis of the data collected from 184 questionnaires involving voluntary, contracted, and civil servant health workers, it was revealed that the knowledge of health workers significantly affected the effectiveness of preparedness and security for hospitals in encountering multiple disasters in Palu City with p &lt; 0.01 and T value of 3.467 &gt; T table value 2.60326. Meanwhile, the health workers’ skills on the effectiveness of preparedness and security in hospitals facing multiple disasters in Palu City obtained p &lt; 0.00 and a T value of 4.771 &gt; T table value 2.60326. Meanwhile, the effect of knowledge and skills of health workers simultaneously and significantly affected the effectiveness of preparedness and security of the hospitals in encountering multiple disasters with an F value of 47.459 &gt; F table value 3.89. CONCLUSION: The findings revealed in the current research provided useful basic information indicating the need for regular disaster-related education and training programs for emergency health workers so that they can effectively handle disaster situations and carry out their duties confidently and professionally. Such training and education are aimed to improving the health workers’ knowledge and skills so that they can be more alert and prepared when disaster occurs.

Becoming peer educators in workplace mental health: Qualitative exploration of challenges and opportunities.

Peer-led workplace mental health training programs informed by the principles of contact-based education have shown promising results, but research evidence largely focuses on measuring outcomes for service recipients with little attention to the experiences of peer educators in delivering these interventions. To gain in-depth knowledge about the opportunities and challenges experienced peer educators recruited to lead a mental health literacy training program for healthcare workers. An interpretive description approach was used to explore the experiences of peer educators in providing a structured two-day "Beyond Silence" workplace mental health training program. Peer educators were healthcare workers with personal mental health experience, who completed an additional leadership training. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with seven peer educators. Data collection and analysis was concurrent and iterative, employing inductive analysis. Four overarching themes captured the key opportunities and challenges faced by peer educators: 1) the art and science of providing mental health literacy training, 2) power of personal stories, 3) competence as a journey or a destination and 4) the dual role of educator and advocate. Recommendations are provided for recruitment, training, and support for peer educators. Future research could focus on longitudinal evaluation of engagement and sustainability of peer educators in this role.

Social Workers Dealing with Ethical Dilemmas in the Course of Their Professional Work: The Greek Experience

Abstract Globally, ethical dilemmas are a relatively neglected topic in social work research, despite their obvious importance to ethical professional practice. This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by exploring ethical dilemmas and related issues faced by social workers in Greece. For our purposes, we created an online survey questionnaire via Survey Monkey software and distributed it nationwide to all social workers, asking those who had more than two years of work experience at any kind of service providing agency to complete it. A total of 835 questionnaires were returned and used for data analysis (response rate 11.13 per cent). The study highlights the diversity of ethical dilemmas encountered by social workers in their professional practice, as well as revealing the different strategies, tools and mechanisms used in dealing with them. Further, it shows the urgent need for developing appropriate ethics support activities and training programmes for social workers, as a crucial part of their ongoing professional education and development. Such ethics initiatives are required to remain ethically competent throughout their working life.

A Model of Transformational Learning for Early Childhood Community-based Workers: Sajag Training for Responsive Caregiving

A global goal for early childhood education and care is to ensure universal, “quality” provision that reaches all children. Achieving this goal requires a well-prepared workforce that is equipped to adapt to and deliver early childhood programs across the vastly diverse contexts and communities where children are growing up around the world. Yet currently there is a severe shortage of early childhood workers, particularly in “low resource” and complex communities. Evidence to support appropriate training for such workers is also lacking. In response, this paper presents findings from a case study of a large-scale training program for community-based early childhood workers in central-east India. A total of 650 community-based Village Communicators were trained to deliver a responsive caregiving package to parents of young children. Data collected over 3 months highlight how the unique contextually grounded, caring and reflexive approach to training resulted in profound personal and professional change among training participants. The findings are of significance in informing policy and practice associated with global goals for early childhood. First, they challenge the technical, programmatic approaches to training that are commonly adopted for preparing this workforce. Second, they evidence the potentially transformative, long-term impact of person-centered approaches to training that facilitate knowledge-sharing to understand local needs and attitudes. Third, they provide insight into ways in which training programs can support enhanced local relevance and effectiveness of early childhood services implemented for children and families across diverse contexts.

Community Health Worker Training Program (HRSA)

Federal Grants & ContractsVolume 46, Issue 11 p. 7-7 Grants alerts Community Health Worker Training Program (HRSA) First published: 01 May 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/fgc.32362Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume46, Issue115 May 2022Pages 7-7 RelatedInformation

Occupational safety and health hazards associated with the slaughtering and meat processing industry in urban areas of Zimbabwe: A case study of the Gweru city Municipal Abattoir

This study examined occupational safety and health hazards associated with the slaughtering and meat processing industry in the Gweru City Municipal abattoir in Zimbabwe. Qualitative and quantitative research designs were employed. The study population involved all the 23 workers including flayers and labourers who are directly involved in slaughtering and meat processing. Data was collected with questionnaire administration, interviews and field observations. Safety and health hazards associated with slaughtering and meat processing at the abattoir included physical, biological, ergonomic, mechanical, environmental and food safety hazards, all with the risk of causing significant harm to the workers. The lack of experience on job operations was one of the key risk factors increasing the likelihood of workers getting injured and increased frequency of injuries. Workers who had more working years at the abattoir encountered injuries less frequently than those who had fewer working years. The abattoir’s occupational safety and health management system was not effective in solving safety and health risks and required improvement. One effective way that can be implemented is to establish a stand-alone safety, health and environment department within the Gweru City Council to give priority to occupational safety and health issues. Training programmes for workers and management on safety and health are recommended to improve workers’ skills on job tasks, hazard identification, and risk assessment and to improve workers’ behaviour as well as to enhance awareness on safety and health among management, which ultimately improves management commitments.

Inclusive Practice for Children with Special Education Needs: Training for Social Workers

Purpose: The study evaluated the effectiveness of a training program for social workers to reduce their negative perceptions on children with special education needs (SEN), enhance their self-efficacy for inclusive practice, and promote their competencies in helping these children in Hong Kong. Method: A prospective quasi-experimental design was adopted in the evaluation, with 58 social workers (74% females) joining the program (the intervention group) and 39 (56.4% females) who did not join the program (the control group). Results: Participants of the intervention group showed a significant decrease in negative perceptions towards children with SEN and an increase of self-efficacy for inclusive practice and competencies after participating in the program when compared with the control group. Discussion: The study provides encouraging evidence on the effectiveness of a training program for promoting social workers’ self-efficacy and competencies for inclusive practice, which is essential for social work intervention for children with SEN.