Engaging Health and Aged Care Workers in Rural and Remote Australia Around Factors Impacting Their Access to and Participation in Dementia Training.

Abstract

Objective: To better understand barriers and enablers to uptake of dementia training in rural and remote areas using input from rural and remote aged and health care workers into how dementia training could be offered to better meet their needs. Methods: Roundtable focus groups were conducted in six diverse rural and remote locations in four jurisdictions around Australia. Sixty-seven workers from predominantly nursing, allied health, and support worker roles involved in dementia care participated. Data were collected by site and used a mixture of face-to-face and virtual facilitated 'roundtable' discussions. Each group discussed barriers and enablers to participation in training and their preferences for how dementia training should be provided. Results: Commonalities emerged in barriers for accessing dementia training. Participants emphasised the need for strong organisational support and locally relevant, interactive and flexible delivery methods to address rural challenges. Significant challenges related to staffing levels, time constraints, and competing priorities. Enablers of training uptake included support from employers covering time and costs of training, local collaboration, and training accessibility for all job roles rather than profession specific. Participants emphasised the importance of practical, local training relevant to their scope of practice delivered by experienced trainers. The need for culturally safe aged care practices was noted in all sites. Discussion and Conclusions: Collaborative approaches across organisations and the aged care workforce and training relevant to local rural contexts were favoured. The opportunity to learn from external experts was greatly appreciated. Workers want training that enhances culturally safe practices. Organisational support is critical for training implementation.