Research into the Construction and Application Effectiveness of a Job Competency Training System for Geriatric Care Personnel Based on the “Medical-Educational Integration” Model

Abstract

To establish a standardized competency training system for geriatric care personnel based on the “medical-educational integration” model and evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing job competency, a mixed-methods research design was employed as following. First, the status quo of job competency and training needs among geriatric care personnel in Deyang City (a major city in southwestern China) were systematically analyzed through literature review, questionnaire survey (n=360), semi-structured interviews, and expert consultation. Second, guided by the “integration of medical and educational resources” philosophy, a standardized training system covering three dimensions— “knowledge, skills, and emergency response”— was developed in collaboration with hospitals, academic institutions, and elderly care industry associations. An “Intelligent Industry-Academia-Research Training Platform for Elderly Health Care” was henceforth established. Finally, 120 caregivers underwent a 6-month systematic training program. A pre-post self-comparison design was employed to assess differences in theoretical knowledge, operational skills, emergency response capabilities, and professional value perception before and after training. Results showed baseline surveys revealed that caregivers were predominantly female (78.5%), with 73.5% holding a high school diploma or lower. Awareness of emergency care stood at only 18.3%, while knowledge of rehabilitation care was a mere 12.5%. Post-training, theoretical knowledge, operational skill, professional value perception and emergency response capability scores all increased, from (65.3 ± 12.1) to (86.7 ± 8.5) points (P < 0.001); (58.6 ± 14.3) to (82.4 ± 9.2) points (P < 0.001); (42.5 ± 15.6) to (78.9 ± 11.3) points (P < 0.001); (3.2 ± 0.8) to (4.1 ± 0.6) points (on a 5-point scale, P < 0.001) respectively. Training satisfaction reached 92.5%. In conclusion, the competency training system for geriatric care personnel, developed based on the “medical-educational integration” model, could significantly enhance caregivers' professional knowledge, skill proficiency, emergency response capabilities, and occupational identity. This approach represents an effective pathway to improve regional elderly care service quality.