by Carmel Kelly
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by Carmel Kelly
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A Standardised Induction Programme for Home Support Workers in Irish Home Care
Launching Our New Research Report
The Irish healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly. With one of the fastest ageing populations in the European Union, Ireland faces both opportunities and challenges in ensuring people can live well at home and in their communities for as long as possible. Sláintecare 2025+, the Government’s roadmap for a high-quality, universal healthcare system, places strong emphasis on community-based care.
At the heart of this vision are Home Support Workers (HSWs). They play a vital role in supporting people to remain independent, safe, and connected in their own homes. Yet, despite their central importance, induction training for HSWs remains inconsistent across the sector.
(L) Prof Mary Rose Sweeney, Clodagh Killeen, Prof Karl Conyard, Shuhua Yang
About the Report
Our new research report, Standardised Induction for Home Support Workers in Irish Home Care: A Feasibility Study, commissioned by LHP Skillnet and authored by the RCSI, explores the current experiences of both HSWs and Home Care Providers with induction training. The findings highlight the potential of a standardised programme to:
A Vital Role in Healthcare
Home Support Workers enable people to remain independent, safe, and connected in their own homes.
Key Recommendations
The report proposes a blended induction model that combines:
Additional recommendations include:
Why this Matters
At Leading Healthcare Providers (LHP) Skillnet, we are committed to workforce development and to building clear, sustainable career pathways for HSWs. We believe that a standardised induction programme can significantly strengthen the care sector by giving HSWs the skills, confidence, and recognition they deserve.
Exploring a Blended Induction Model
Our study proposes a combintion of online theory and locally delivered clinical skills.
Looking Ahead
The contribution of HSWs to Irish healthcare cannot be overstated—they are the backbone of home care delivery. A responsive, person-centred, and evidence-based induction programme will not only improve the quality of care but also enrich the careers of those who provide it.
We hope this report sparks meaningful discussion and action, ensuring HSWs receive the structured support they need to thrive from their very first day, and throughout their entire career in home care.
Read the Full Report
“Sweeney, M. R., Thamanam, N., Conyard, K. F., Yang, S. (2025). Standardised induction for home support workers in Irish homecare: a feasability study.
https://doi.org/10.25419/rcsi.30001087
Click on the button below to download the research report in PDF format.
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