Health Care Aide Training: Role and Responsibilities Cheat Sheet

Health Care Aide

Provincial Curriculum Course 1: HCA Role and Responsibility Learner Guide Alberta Government March 2019

Module 1: Role of the Health Care Aide

   - Introduction
     - Overview of the role of a Health Care Aide (HCA) in Alberta.
     - Importance of person-centred care and the responsibilities involved.
   - Specific Learning Outcomes
     1. Define terminology related to the role of HCAs.
     2. Examine health within the Canadian healthcare system.
     3. Identify the contributions of HCAs to client health across various settings.
     4. Discuss accountability related to professional actions.
     5. Discuss the importance of lifelong learning in the HCA role.
     6. Recognize the impact of self-confidence on care delivery.
     7. Explain the relevance of information technology in healthcare.
     8. Explore quality improvement programs.
     9. Describe principles of compassionate care.
     10. Discuss the importance of helping relationships with clients and families.
     11. Distinguish among race, culture, and ethnicity.
     12. Discuss health care ethics in the HCA role.
     13. Understand psychosocial health and related factors.
     14. Apply the person-centred care approach in HCA responsibilities.
   - Glossary
     - Accountability: Obligation to answer for professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities.
     - Scope of practice: Defines roles and responsibilities of members of the health care team.
   - Learning Activities
     - Case Studies, Reflective Exercises, and various matching exercises to enhance understanding.

Module 2: Legislation

   - Introduction
     - Discusses legislation ensuring the rights and safety of healthcare clients and workers.
   - Specific Learning Outcomes
     1. Define terminology related to health care legislation.
     2. Explain the Health Professions Act and Government Organizational Act.
     3. Discuss the Health Information Act and FOIP.
     4. Know the Alberta Health Continuing Care Service Standards.
     5. Understand the Personal Directive Act.
     6. Learn about the Protection for Persons in Care Act (PPCA).
     7. Discuss consent and the implications of the Mental Health Act.
     8. Examine the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
     9. Importance of accurate observations and documentation.
   - Articles
     - Coverage of Acts and responsibilities relevant to HCAs, therapeutic wraparounds, crisis situations, and other critical concerns.
   - Glossary
     - Confidentiality: Protection of individually identifiable health information.
     - Informed consent: Approval given by a client after understanding the risks and benefits.
     - Restricted activities: Health services that require specific training due to inherent risk.

Module 3: Functioning Effectively as a Team Member

   - Introduction
     - Discusses the importance of teamwork within the health care system.
   - Specific Learning Outcomes
     1. Define team-related terminology.
     2. Describe collaborative team approaches.
     3. Identify unique contributions of healthcare team members.
     4. Examine teamwork benefits and drawbacks.
     5. Differentiate between direct and indirect supervision.
     6. Understand care planning processes and HCA contributions.
     7. Explore time management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
   - Glossary
     - Collaboration: Partnership between team members with a common goal.
     - Team: A group of individuals working together towards a common objective.
   - Articles
     - Detailed descriptions of the dynamics of team interactions and interviews, addressing issues of communication.

Module 4: Environmental Safety

   - Module Introduction
     - Focuses on HCA responsibilities in maintaining environmental safety.
   - Specific Learning Outcomes
     1. Define and use terms related to environmental safety.
     2. Review the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
     3. Identify dangers including slips, trips, and falls.
     4. Study infection prevention and control principles.
     5. Explain waste management in healthcare settings.
   - Glossary
     - Pest: Any unwanted insect, bug, or rodent that can cause harm.
     - Infection Prevention and Control: Measures aimed at preventing infections in health settings.
   - Articles
     - Coverage of hazard assessments, environmental hazards, and infection control practices relevant to HCAs.

Module 5: Client Safety

   - Introduction
     - Emphasis on HCAs' role in ensuring client safety.
   - Specific Learning Outcomes
     1. Define terms related to client safety.
     2. Identify risk factors related to falls.
     3. Strategies to promote safety, including call bells.
     4. Actions to take when falls occur.
     5. Identify causes of burns and poisoning.
     6. Discuss least restraint philosophy.
   - Glossary
     - Incident/Accident Report: Documentation after a client fall or injury.
     - Managed Risk Agreement: A documented agreement allowing clients to choose high-risk behaviors post-education.
   - Articles
     - Explore fall prevention strategies, managed risk agreements, and the principle of least restraints.

Module 6: Self-Care and Safety

   - Introduction
     - Focus on the importance of HCAs caring for their own safety and well-being.
   - Specific Learning Outcomes
     1. Define terms related to self-care and safety.
     2. Learn principles of body mechanics.
     3. Understand the impact of fatigue and stress on HCAs.
     4. Strategies to prevent burnout and foster positive work environments.
   - Glossary
     - Compassion Fatigue: Emotional and physical exhaustion from caring for others.
     - Bullying: Repeated aggressive behavior causing intimidation or humiliation.
   - Articles
     - Emphasizes the need for HCAs to engage in self-care, including reflection exercises and techniques to promote personal health.