Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byKarin Thompson Modified over 9 years ago
1
PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER(PSW) OVERVIEW OF EDUCATION IN ONTARIO
2
Ontario Provincial PSW Subcommittee Subcommittee of the Provincial Committee for Heads of Health Sciences Chair – Laurie Poirier (Sault College)
3
WHO IS THE PSW? Unregulated health care worker Backbone of community and facility services Often have the most contact with client/consumer – develop close relationships
4
HISTORY OF PSW PROGRAM Developed as part of Ontario Government plan to reform long term care and support services Intent - improved care for persons living at home and in long-term care facilities Curriculum a joint initiative of OCSA and Ontario Government 1997
5
HISTORY (cont’d) Single training program Consolidates & replaces training of: Health Care Aide Home Support Worker Attendant Care Worker Respite Worker
6
EDUCATION GOAL: Assist student to develop a broad range of abilities beyond dexterity skills which emphasizes value of role and reflects true sensitivity and respect for the individuality of each consumer/client
7
EDUCATION (cont’d) Two exit points: Completion of first 7 modules – Personal Attendant Worker Completion of all modules – Personal Support Worker
8
EDUCATION (cont’d) Mechanism for bridging to PSW Recognition of prior education e.g. HCA, HSW
9
EDUCATION (cont’d) Framework - guidelines vs. standards Recommended minimum 500 hours Combination theory and practicum 14 modules
10
EDUCATION All colleges provide programs in Ontario Varied approaches to delivery Full-time classroom Part-time classroom Distance education – audio-conferencing E-learning On-the-job
11
CHALLENGES Competing delivery agents e.g. Ministry of Education via secondary schools, private institutions Diminishing availability of practicum experiences (community and facility) Lack of education standard for employment re: unregulated workers
12
CHALLENGES Devaluation of the role Increasing expectation of delegation from the regulated health professional to the unregulated worker Destabilization of the home care service setting – competitive bidding, contracting
13
FUTURE DIRECTIONS Proposed change to two semesters Move to meet/incorporate vocational outcomes based on new charter Recognition of vocational standards vs. guidelines On hold pending further discussion
14
FUTURE DIRECTIONS Proposed revision of curriculum to incorporate PIECES program Presented by OCSA and Ontario Alzheimer’s Strategy Initiative on hold pending further discussion
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.