Preparing the Personal Support Workers Workforce for Regulation Through Competency-Based Training: A Transformational Change Initiative

Abstract

Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are essential to Ontario’s healthcare system. In 2021, the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority Act (HSCPOA) established a regulatory body to protect the public, register PSWs, standardize education and competencies, and foster greater public confidence in the profession. In response, a large community hospital launched a transformational change initiative with three key components: (1) support PSWs in achieving registration, (2) enhancing PSW knowledge and skills through evidence-informed competency-based education program and simulation learning, and (3) facilitating sustainable change in the organization. Using the ADKAR Model, this initiative resulted in 98% of PSWs successfully completing registration with HSCPOA. Additionally, 97.5% of participants reported improved communication skills for managing complex situations, applying skills learned in simulated clinical scenarios. This initiative highlights the importance of aligning organizational priorities with standards of practice and demonstrates how structured change management can enhance workforce readiness and promote patient safety.