“Everyone has a role in Rehabilitation” - Delivering staff education on rehabilitation skills in a post-acute rehabilitation unit

Background Due to a combination of disrupted services, it was observed that there was a gap in nursing and HCA knowledge of their crucial role within the rehabilitation process for the patients in an older person's post-acute rehabilitation unit. The purpose of this study was to highlight the importance of delivering nursing and healthcare assistant care (HCA) through the lens of goal specific rehabilitation. Methods A staff education programme was designed covering topics of rehabilitation including interdisciplinary team working, therapy group interventions, role of HCA in rehabilitation, personal care, toileting, continence, pressure areas, manual handling, weight bearing status, pain management, mobility aids, equipment, orthopaedic braces and physical activity recommendations in the older adult. A pre and post knowledge-based questionnaire was completed specific to each topic with maximum score 100% indicating full knowledge of the topic. Handouts and resources were created and provided at each session. Education was facilitated by an OT and PT, on a weekly basis. Participants were given the opportunity to provide feedback on the education session. An analysis of the pre/post questionnaire scores was completed using Microsoft Excel. Results Of the 26 staff (HCA and nurses) on the unit, 23 completed the education. Staff scored an average of 45% on the pre-education questionnaire and 76% on the post-education questionnaire. There was a significant increase in the post education session score (p<0.0001). Participants reported benefited from education session (87% strongly agreed n=20, 13% agreed n=3). Conclusion Peer to peer staff educations within the MDT improved knowledge in core aspects of rehabilitation care. To enhance patient experience and outcome the full MDT should feel part of the rehabilitation programme and be aware of the individuals' goals and their role to achieve the goal. This education initiative was beneficial in reinforcing the rehabilitation ethos of the ward and addressing gaps in ward staff’s knowledge.