Related Experiment Videos
Health care support workers in the critical care setting.
M Hind1, D Jackson, C Andrewes
1Institute of Health & Community Studies, Bournemouth University, Dorset.
Nursing in Critical Care
|December 9, 2000
Summary
Critical care units in the UK can effectively integrate health care support workers. This study found the role viable and proposes a training framework for these essential staff.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Critical Care Nursing
- Allied Health Professions
Background:
- UK critical care services faced significant strain during the 1999/2000 winter, exposing existing provision deficits.
- The role of health care support workers (HCSWs) has evolved within the National Health Service (NHS).
- Some critical care units have begun employing HCSWs, indicating a shift in staffing models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the perspectives of critical care unit staff regarding the integration of HCSWs.
- To assess the perceived viability and potential challenges of introducing HCSWs into critical care settings.
- To develop a foundational framework for a specialized HCSW training program in critical care.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research methods were employed to gather staff views.
- Data collection likely involved interviews or surveys with existing critical care unit personnel.
- Analysis focused on understanding staff opinions on the HCSW role within their specific unit.
Main Results:
- Critical care unit staff views on the introduction of HCSWs were examined.
- The study concluded that the HCSW role is a viable addition to critical care teams.
- Specific insights into staff acceptance and perceived benefits/drawbacks were gathered.
Conclusions:
- The integration of health care support workers into critical care units is deemed viable.
- A framework for a critical care HCSW training program has been proposed.
- Findings support the expansion and formalization of HCSW roles in critical care settings.