In this post, we profile Montefiore who won the People & Culture category in this year’s Future of Ageing Awards. This is part of a series of stories designed to share the innovative approaches taken by this year’s award recipients.
In response to gaps identified in clinical skills and care, Montefiore’s Clinical Education team launched a tailored training program in August 2023 for Nursing and Care staff. The initiative aimed to enhance the professional development of staff, particularly those impacted by the pandemic’s fast-track qualification process. By combining online and in-person training, the program focused on improving care for aged consumers with complex needs.
Program origins
A growing need to support newly qualified nurses, many of whom missed critical clinical placements due to COVID-19, prompted the creation of this program. These nurses lacked confidence in hands-on care, particularly in acute care settings. The initiative sought to bridge this gap and offer a supportive learning environment, focusing on building clinical competence among junior staff.
Development
The program’s foundation was a detailed staff needs analysis that informed its structure. This analysis pinpointed the most effective teaching methods for nursing and care staff, helping to develop tailored learning materials. A perpetual training calendar was established to ensure continuous staff development and onboarding, positioning the program as a leading initiative in aged care recruitment.
“Analysis, identification and filling of skills and knowledge gaps using a holistic approach.”
2024 Future of Ageing Awards judge
Execution and components
The training program is delivered through hands-on workshops, focusing on essential areas like infection control, falls prevention, palliative care, and clinical communication. The diverse workforce, comprising individuals from varied cultural backgrounds, benefitted from this comprehensive approach, which addressed specific knowledge gaps across Montefiore sites. A major emphasis was placed on infection control and ISBAR (Introduction, Situation, Background Assessment, Recommendation) communication to ensure that all staff were equipped with the necessary skills for quality care delivery.
Stakeholder engagement
The interdisciplinary team, including allied health professionals and clinical experts, played a pivotal role in the program’s success. Regular competency tutorials, online tutorials with subject experts, and external guest sessions enhanced staff engagement, ensuring widespread participation and learning.
Monitoring and evaluation
Montefiore continuously monitors program effectiveness through post-training evaluations, clinical indicator data, and consumer surveys. These tools allow the organisation to identify further training needs, making improvements as necessary. The program’s success is evident in the improved clinical care and enhanced job satisfaction among staff.
