title: Exploring support needed by home health aides in choosing bathing equipment: new challenges for occupational therapy collaboration.
abstract: In Quebec (Canada), home health aides are gradually being involved in choosing bathing equipment for community-dwelling clients with bathing difficulties, a task traditionally performed by occupational therapists.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article explores the support home health aides want in assuming this clinical task.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three home health aides having previously intervened with clients with bathing difficulties.
  
  
  METHODS
  Home health aides were first observed while performing an assessment, followed by an in-depth individual interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results indicate that participants wish to be trained to acquire further knowledge about bathing equipment and learn to use a tool that would guide and document their observations. They sought partnership with a designated occupational therapist, who would be available to answer questions and assess clients with a complex clinical situation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that needs of home health aides are not currently met and highlight clinical as well as organizational implications.
authors: Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada Research Center on Aging, Health and Social Services Center, University Institute of Geriatrics of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
authors: Manon
authors: M
authors: Guay
authors: Mélanie
authors: M
authors: Levasseur
authors: Sophie
authors: S
authors: Turgeon-Londeï
authors: Marie-France
authors: MF
authors: Dubois
authors: Johanne
authors: J
authors: Desrosiers
mesh_terms: D001494:Baths / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D012656:Self-Help Devices
keywords: Skill mix; assistive devices; bath; decision-making; professional assistant