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Research Article: Are healthcare aides underused in long-term care?

Abstract

Over the last 10 years, appropriate workforce utilisation has been an important discussion among healthcare practitioners and policy-makers. The role of healthcare aides (HCAs) has also expanded to improve their utilisation. This evolving role of HCAs in Canada has prompted calls for standardised training, education and scope of practice for HCAs. The purpose of this research was to examine the differences in HCAs training and utilisation in continuing care facilities. The utilisation of HCAs varies widely between supportive living (SL) and long-term care (LTC) facilities. Conclusion findings are that HCAs in SL facilities may be considered better used according to their required educational training and competencies. Expanding the role of HCAs in LTC facilities may lead to a cost-effective and more efficient utilisation of workforce in continuing care facilities.

Note: the above description has been excerpted from Abstract.

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