Effect observation on training in hypertension, diabetes-related knowledge and measurement technique for home-based care service for the aged

ObjectiveTo investigate the outcome of training service personnel in their home-based care for the aged in hypertension, diabetes-related knowledge and measurement technique.

MethodsA group of 95 home care personnel in Wanxiang community of Shanghai were trained twice in hypertension, diabetes-related knowledge and skills measuring blood pressure and blood sugar. Then by means of self-designed questionnaires they were examined for assessment and evaluation, and changes of the scores they obtained were observed before and after the training.

ResultsThe scores obtained by the home care personnel in the related knowledge of blood hypertension, diabetes-related and the skills of measuring blood pressure and blood sugar were associated with their educational levels.The average scores obtained by those from junior high schools and above were higher than the scores by those from primary schools. However, their ages were related to the scores in diabetes knowledge but unrelated to the scores in hypertension knowledge and blood pressure, blood sugar measurement. Those at the age of 50 or less obtained higher scores than those over 50 years. Their average scores and pass rates were increased after each training in hypertension, diabetes-related knowledge. Before the second training the scores in the knowledge of hypertension and diabetes were lower than those obtained after the first training; and the average scores after the 2nd training were higher than those after 1st training. After two training sessions, scores in blood pressure, blood sugar measurement were increased. Before the 2nd training, the average scores were higher than those after the 1st training and the average scores after the 2nd training were higher than those after the 1st training.

ConclusionThe knowledge of hypertension or diabetes and skills of measuring blood pressure or blood sugar in home-based care servers are related to their educational background. The higher educational level they have, the better they can master the knowledge and skills. Age effects are not apparent in this regard. Obvious results can be surely achieved in carrying out related knowledge education and the operation skills training, and repeated training can further improve the educational level and operation skills for home-based care personnel.