EXTERNALLY FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS
Development, implementation and evaluation of an unwanted sexual behaviour online education course for aged care nurses working in Australian residential aged care services
Background
The Health Law and Ageing Research Unit is the only group in Australia with a dedicated, coordinated and multidisciplinary approach with technical expertise in aged care, law, health care, public health, injury prevention and public policy focused on residential aged care services (RACS).
It is estimated that over 50 incidents of sexual assault occur in aged care each week nationally. Findings from the recent Royal Commission into Australian RACS highlighted that there is not only a limited understanding of unwanted sexual behaviour (USB) in RACS but that there also are substantial gaps to prevent and manage USB in RACS.
Aim
This study aimed to develop, implement and evaluate an online educational course for aged care nurses on detecting, managing and preventing USB between residents in Australian RACS.
Methods
An anonymous, online, cross-sectional population survey was provided to all participants who were enrolled to complete an intervention educational online course, "Preventing unwanted sexual behaviour in residential aged care". After course completion, participants completed a post-intervention survey which tested any change to knowledge, attitude, awareness, experience of and behaviour towards USB in RACS. The post-test instrument also tested participant satisfaction with the course structure and content.