More staff training improves quality of life for service users

A study has found that more training for workers in the health and social care sector can lead to better outcomes for service users.

The study, entitled Measuring the Productivity of Workforce Development in Care Homes, was commissioned by Skills for Care and Development. Led by the Personal Social Services Research Unit at the University of Kent, it used data from 125 care homes across England to analyse the links between staff training and quality of life for residents.

Analysts found that benefits for service users were more evident in homes where staff had further training such as an NVQ, or were working towards one. They also identified correlation between the percentage of staff who had obtained NVQ Level 2 and the involvement of residents in community activities and decision-making and the general cleanliness and comfort of the home.

The overall results varied, but the report concluded that: "Although the impact of training and qualifications such as NVQ are not strong, there are indications that these are positively associated with outcomes."

The authors of the report strongly recommended further investment in developing ways to determine the links more accurately. They suggested that such tools could be used by regulators such as the Care Quality Commission in their inspection frameworks.

Sarah McCarty, Executive Director of Skills for Care and Development, said: "This research helps us identify what works and Skills for Care and Development intends to use the results to do more to help employers evaluate and improve their investment in workforce development."

Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response Training, which specialises in training for the health and social care sector, says: "Again and again, studies demonstrate the benefits associated with staff training. In the past it has been found that increased opportunities for workforce development can aid service providers in recruiting and retaining top quality carers, and this is just the latest study to indicate that more staff training leads to a better quality of care for service users.

"At First Response, we firmly believe that a properly trained workforce can lead to better outcomes all round, and we are committed to spreading the message about health and safety and social care training.

"We can offer a wide range of training courses for the health and social care sector and are constantly developing our course portfolio and working with providers in the sector to introduce further subjects which will benefit care workers. Our courses are developed in line with the Common Induction Standards and have links to the QCF, so they will benefit carers who are working towards their Diploma in Social Care (Level 2), which has now replaced the NVQ.

"We can offer dedicated account management and bespoke services, as well as a range of alternative training options, from e-learning, to distance and blended learning options, as well as direct provision training. Please call us today on free phone 0800 310 2300.