General Duty Assistant

General Duty Assistant (GDA) is a healthcare profession focused on providing basic patient care and support services under the supervision of registered nurses or other healthcare professionals. Here's an overview of what a course in General Duty Assistant might cover:

1. Introduction to Healthcare:

• Overview of the healthcare industry, healthcare delivery systems, and the role of General Duty Assistants in patient care.

2. Patient Care Skills:

• Basic patient care skills, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding.
• Transfer techniques, mobility assistance, and positioning of patients.

3. Vital Signs Monitoring:

• Training in measuring and recording vital signs such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration rate.
• Understanding normal ranges and recognizing abnormal vital signs.

4. Infection Control and Safety:

• Adherence to infection control protocols, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and environmental cleaning.
• Safety measures for preventing accidents and minimizing the risk of injury to patients and healthcare providers.

5. Medical Terminology and Documentation:

• Basic medical terminology related to patient care and healthcare settings.
• Documentation of patient information, care provided, and observations made during shifts.

6. Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Effective communication techniques for interacting with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team.
• Empathy, active listening, and cultural sensitivity in patient interactions.

7. Emergency Response and First Aid:

• Recognition of common medical emergencies and appropriate responses.
• Basic first aid skills, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

8. Elderly Care and Rehabilitation:

• Understanding the unique needs of elderly patients and providing compassionate care to geriatric populations.
• Rehabilitation assistance and support for patients recovering from illness, injury, or surgery.

9. Nutrition and Hydration Assistance: - Basic knowledge of nutrition principles and dietary requirements for patients. - Assisting with meal preparation, feeding assistance, and hydration monitoring.

10. Mental Health and Emotional Support: - Providing emotional support and reassurance to patients experiencing anxiety, depression, or distress. - Techniques for promoting patient comfort and well-being during hospitalization.

11. Ethics and Professionalism: - Upholding ethical standards, confidentiality, and respect for patient dignity and autonomy. - Professional conduct, teamwork, and collaboration within the healthcare team.

12. Career Development and Opportunities: - Continuing education options, professional development resources, and career pathways for General Duty Assistants. - Exploring opportunities for specialization, advancement, or further education in healthcare.