Meeting the training needs of staff working with older people with dual diagnosis

Abstract

Purpose

Although training has been identified as a key requirement for developing staff capability for working with people with co‐morbid mental health and substance misuse problems, little attention has been given to the training needs of staff working with older adults. Dual diagnosis within the older adult population is often underestimated, yet can present significant challenges to older people themselves, their family and carers and staff. This paper aims to describe the development and preliminary evaluation of a five‐day course designed to meet the needs of staff working with older people who have a dual diagnosis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes how the course was developed and presents the evaluation data for the initial pilot. A repeated measures design was employed to assess changes to knowledge, confidence and attitudes. Students' perceptions of the quality of the programme were also obtained.

Findings

Significant changes were achieved in knowledge and confidence after the course. Although there were some changes in attitudes these did not reach significance.

Originality/value

Dual diagnosis initiatives, particularly those related to training, have largely focused on working age adults. This paper describes the development and preliminary evaluation of a dual diagnosis course designed specifically for staff working with older people. It suggests that staff benefit from this training and highlights the importance of such training being part of a wider strategy to develop staff capability.

Citation

Saxton, L., Lancashire, S. and Kipping, C. (2011), "Meeting the training needs of staff working with older people with dual diagnosis", Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 36-46. https://doi.org/10.1108/17570971111155603