Framework on core competences for physiotherapists and nurses working with older adults in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: The population of Sri Lanka is rapidly aging, and there is a growing demand for healthcare professionals skilled in older adult’s care. The CAPAGE project “Promoting academic and professional excellence in health care to meet the challenges of aging in Sri Lanka” is a transnational European Union co-funded project to enhance professional competences of health care professionals. Objectives: The main objective of this study is to create a framework of core competences for physiotherapists and nurses working with older adults in Sri Lanka. Methods: Based on a recent literature review and a focus group analysis with experts, a competences framework will identify knowledge and skill-based competences required for health care professionals, specifically for physiotherapists and nurses, working with elderly. Results: Main competences identified were: high-quality standards and team leadership (leader/expert); patient-centered practice, effective communication (communicator); interprofessional effective team collaboration and shared decision-making process (collaborator); coordination of care and healthcare management (organizer); health promotion, wellness and well-being (health and welfare advocate); evidence-based practice and lifelong learning and continuous professional development (scholar); professional and ethical standards and multi-dimensional approach and best practices (professional). Conclusions: This framework on competences can enable to update and improve knowledge, know-how, skills and mainly the conceptual approach in care and management of older adults, considering specific socio-economic and cultural aspects of Sri Lanka.