1 Criteria High (1) Medium (2) Low (3) A – methodological quality Characteristics include any or all of: use of a control group measurement of impact/effect clear explanation of method, conduct of study, results Characteristics include any or all of: qualitative description of impact/effect and adequate explanation of method, conduct of study, results Characteristics include any or all of: little or no explanation of method results are not clearly explained little or no explanation of impact/effect B – methodological relevance The study’s methods have a strong and clear relationship between the methods used and the results, impact or effect being described The methods have an adequate relationship between the methods used and the results, impact or effect being described There is little or no clear relationship between the methods used and the results, impact or effect being described C – topic relevance The topic directly addresses two or more key themes of the literature review (skills and knowledge to undertake caring role; education and training initiatives for carers; transferability of skills; integration of current or former carers into employment) The topic directly addresses at least two of the key themes of the literature review (skills and knowledge to undertake caring role; education and training initiatives for carers; transferability of skills; integration of current or former carers into employment) The topic directly addresses one of the key themes of the literature review (skills and knowledge to undertake caring role; education and training initiatives for carers; transferability of skills; integration of current or former carers into employment) D – overall rating (The sum score for each criteria) High = 3-4 Medium = 5-6 Low = 7-9 Source: ACIL Allen Consulting 2014 The overall weight of evidence assessment for the literature relevant to each research question is provided in 2. 2 Research question Weight of evidence rating (no. records) High Medium Low 1. Practical skills and knowledge 13 5 4 2. Education and training initiatives 14 4 2 3. Transfer of skills and qualifications 1 1 0 4. Evidence of successful approaches 6 13 2 4a. Employment preferences 0 1 1 4b. Barriers to entering employment / training 11 15 7 TOTAL 45 39 16 Source: ACIL Allen Consulting 2014 Interviews To further supplement the literature search and analysis, a small number of interviews were undertaken with academics active in this area as well as individuals from relevant peak organisations and education/ training providers. The purpose of these interviews was to address gaps identified in the evidence and provide further information on specific approaches to supporting carers to transition to employment.
4 Skill type Carer skills Examples of relevant competencies Groups of qualifications relevant to skills and competencies Community Services Aged Care Housing Disability General skills Time management Process and maintain workplace information Use business technology Manage meetings / work priorities Financial skills Legal skills Assist with practice administration Prepare / Manage budgets Maintain financial records Manage finances within a budget Adaptive / Problem solving Provide administrative support Maintain the organisation’s information systems Contribute to information requirements in the community sector Communication skills Interpersonal skills Communicate appropriately with clients and colleagues Use targeted communication skills to build relationships Compassion / empathy Respond to loss grief and trauma Crisis management Respond to Critical Situations Plan for medical emergencies Respond to emergencies Day-to-day caring skills Cooking Provide food services Cleaning Provide support to meet personal care needs Work effectively in home and community care Hygiene Health and safety / manual handling Participate in workplace health and safety Comply with infection control policies and procedures Driver Transport clients Health Care Skills First aid Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation Provide basic emergency life support Provide aid Apply First Aid Perform CPR Medical information interpreter Medication administration Assist clients with medication Administer and monitor medications