Delegation training for care staff: Safe care through knowledge of medication, hygiene, emergency situations, and nutrition

This article is written from Swedish conditions. Hopefully, it can inspire interested parties from other countries.

Delegation training is a fundamental part of care staff's professional development. By covering areas such as medication management, health care hygiene, emergency situations, fall management, and nutrition, the staff can ensure a safe and good care for the residents. A thoughtful and comprehensive training leads to increased patient safety and a more professional care environment.

Bild:Pixabay

Delegation Training for Care Staff – Proposed Content


Delegation training or introductory training is an essential part of the professional development for care staff. It is designed to provide the staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and secure care for the residents. The training should cover several key areas, from medication management to hygiene in care and handling emergency situations.

Medication Management


Medication management is the most important part of the delegation training. Staff must have a good understanding of how to handle, administer, and document medications.

Correct Dosage and Administration – Knowing how to dispense medication, in what dosage and at what times. Being able to read a prescription and to check the medication dose against the prescription.
Side Effects – Being able to recognize signs of potential side effects such as dry mouth or tingling sensations.
Medication Administration – Understanding the importance of carefully following the routine so that the right patient gets the right medication at the right time.
Documentation – Accurately documenting when and how medication has been administered.

Care Hygiene


Care hygiene is crucial for preventing the spread of infection and ensuring a safe care environment.

Hand Hygiene – Correct technique for hand washing and using hand sanitizer.
Cleanliness and Disinfection – How to clean and disinfect equipment and surfaces properly.
Personal Protective Equipment – When and how to use gloves, face masks, and other protective gear.
Waste Management – Proper sorting and handling of waste, especially infectious waste.

Acting in Emergency Situations


Care staff must be able to act quickly and effectively in emergency situations.

Basic First Aid – For instance, how to handle cardiac arrest, breathing difficulties, and severe bleeding.
Alarm Procedures – Knowing when and how to contact a nurse or dial 112.
Stabilizing the Patient – Being able to provide support to the resident until professional help arrives.

Fall Management and Prevention of Pressure Sores


Preventing falls and pressure sores is an important part of the work of care staff.

Fall Injuries – Handling fall injuries in the acute stage and how to write deviation reports.
Preventive Measures for Pressure Sores – Knowing how to prevent pressure sores through regular position changes and using assistive devices.
Correct Moving Techniques – To avoid injuries for both staff and residents.

Nutrition and Night Fasting


Nutrition is an important part of daily care. The training should include:

Dietary Needs – Being able to identify and meet the individual dietary needs of the residents. Understanding the routines to ensure that each resident receives the correct diet.
Night Fasting – Knowing how to handle night fasting and ensuring that the resident receives sufficient nutrition during the day.
Special Diets – Being able to manage special diets, for instance in cases of diabetes or swallowing difficulties.

Reflection Questions


Nursing Assistants and Care Aides
- Do you have sufficient knowledge about medication management and care hygiene?
- Do you feel confident about acting in emergency situations?
- How do you work with fall management and preventive measures for pressure sores?

Manager, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, and Physiotherapist
- Are there clear routines for delegation and staff training?
- How do you ensure that the staff has sufficient competence in nutrition and fall management?
- Have you evaluated whether the training covers all necessary areas?

Residents and Relatives

- Do you feel that the staff has sufficient knowledge to provide safe and good care?
- Do you notice whether the staff is trained to handle emergency situations?



Erland Olsson
Specialist nurse
Sofrosyne - Better Care Every Day

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