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Non-Professional Care Workers in Long Term Care Settings: Job Analysis and Conceptualization
Researchers: Anna Zysberg1, Leehu Zysberg2, Israel Doron1, Tova Band-Winterstein1
- University of Haifa
- Gordon College o Education
Background: Care workers in long-term care settings interact with the elderly residents in the most intensive manner. Despite their centrality in the process of providing care, their role is not officially defined in terms of job prerequisites; candidate selection; and a mandatory, unified and agreed-upon training.
Objectives: To analyze and produce a systematic job description for care workers in elderly care facilities.
Method: Mixed-method, qualitative and quantitative research design.
In Study 1, we interviewed 52 participants (including care workers, male/female nurses, residents, managers). Based on a phenomenological-interpretive analysis of the findings, a structured questionnaire was built to describe the job.
In Study 2, additional information was obtained from 630 participants (care workers and male/female nurses). Data analysis was based on the factor analysis method, using the SPSS-23 software package.
In Study 1, we interviewed 52 participants (including care workers, male/female nurses, residents, managers). Based on a phenomenological-interpretive analysis of the findings, a structured questionnaire was built to describe the job.
In Study 2, additional information was obtained from 630 participants (care workers and male/female nurses). Data analysis was based on the factor analysis method, using the SPSS-23 software package.
Findings: The job was conceptualized using six main dimensions: technical tasks, residents’ physical care, personal-human care, professional authority hierarchy and borders, qualifications and abilities, and skills acquired over time.
Factor analysis indicates that nurses’ self-perception of the position is comprised of clear priorities: physical care is the central component, followed by cleaning and sanitizing and safety, and finally – interpersonal communication (minimal). In contrast, professionals perceived their role as more complex and less differentiated. The most prominent components they reported were: personal attention, caring for residents’ health needs, communicating with residents, and providing physical treatment. These components were followed by cleaning and sanitizing, safety, and stock or issue care-related supplies.
Factor analysis indicates that nurses’ self-perception of the position is comprised of clear priorities: physical care is the central component, followed by cleaning and sanitizing and safety, and finally – interpersonal communication (minimal). In contrast, professionals perceived their role as more complex and less differentiated. The most prominent components they reported were: personal attention, caring for residents’ health needs, communicating with residents, and providing physical treatment. These components were followed by cleaning and sanitizing, safety, and stock or issue care-related supplies.
Conclusions: From the perspective of nurses and care workers, it was found that the core of the role is treatment-based, instrumental and physical.
Recommendations: Based on the findings, a model was proposed for the future development of the job; we also recommend carrying out a pilot study to implement the proposed model.
Research number: A/36/2014
Research end date: 11/2017