Development and process evaluation of an educational intervention on communication targeting nurse assistants in home care

Background Person-centred communication is important to assure the quality of home care services and to promote older persons´ independence and influence over their lives. Previous research indicates challenges regarding communication between professionals and home care recipients, and how to deliver efficient educational efforts in the home care context. Aim The aim was to describe the development and process evaluation of a web-based education intervention in person-centred communication for nurse assistants (NA) in home care. Method The intervention consisted of a step-wise education, with eight modules that included short video based lectures and movies, one group supervision, and reflective assignments. The content was based on previous research on health care communication and person-centred care. Data were collected from multiple sources before, during and after the implementation, and analysed by a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Results A complex intervention was conducted to improve the communication competency wanted for person-centred care. The intervention was offered to 23 nurse assistants (NA). Of those, 91% (n=21) participated, in total or in parts, in five or more modules. The findings address participants’ experiences of expectations and worries before the intervention, experiences from the implementation process, and their experiences from taking part of the intervention. During the implementation changes were made according to local circumstances. Overall, the education was experienced as feasible. The web-based design was found to be accessible and the content relevant. Conclusion From this study, it can be concluded that the key features for successful implementation of the intervention was the format, educational content, and technical facilities provided. In addition to this, participant involvement, resources and constructive practical circumstances for NAs to participate in the intervention are crucial