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The research has concluded and the output has been added to the ANROWS library. Please visit https://www.anrows.org.au/register-of-active-research/ for more information on the RAR.
BACKGROUND
The Health Law and Ageing Research Unit is the only group in Australia with a dedicated, coordinated and multidisciplinary approach with technical expertise in aged care, law, health care, public health, injury prevention and public policy focused on residential aged care services (RACS).
It is estimated that over 50 incidents of sexual assault occur in aged care each week nationally. Findings from the recent Royal Commission into Australian RACS highlighted that there is not only a limited understanding of unwanted sexual behaviour (USB) in RACS but that there also are substantial gaps to prevent and manage USB in RACS.
AIM
This study aimed to develop, implement and evaluate an online educational course for aged care nurses on detecting, managing and preventing USB between residents in Australian RACS.
METHODS
An anonymous, online, cross-sectional population survey was provided to all participants who were enrolled to complete an intervention educational online course, "Preventing unwanted sexual behaviour in residential aged care". After course completion, participants completed a post-intervention survey which tested any change to knowledge, attitude, awareness, experience of and behaviour towards USB in RACS. The post-test instrument also tested participant satisfaction with the course structure and content.
SIGNIFICANCE
To our knowledge, this is the first developed and evaluated course specific to USB in RACS for aged care nurses in Australia. Our course was very well received, with participants believing it to be engaging, relevant and practical. Results suggest that online USB in RACS education is feasible. Results further indicate the developed course holds promising potential as a valuable training tool. More research is needed to reveal if such training improves specific resident outcomes.
FUNDING BODY
Department of Health and Human Services, Seniors, Ageing and Aged Care Branch, Health and Wellbeing Division, Victoria and Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University
PROJECT START DATE
April 2020
EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE
June 2021