DTA unveils Learning Pathways to bolster dementia care in Australia

Dementia Training Australia (DTA) has unveiled its new online tool, Learning Pathways, aiming to enhance dementia care standards. The advanced platform seeks to set a benchmark for best practices, enabling individuals to identify high-quality training providers complying with national standards.

The innovative Learning Pathways platform makes top-class training available to healthcare workers, aged care professionals, and first responders across Australia. Dr Isabelle Meyer, Executive Director of Dementia Training Australia, elucidated the platform's functions, voicing that "The platform is a personalised tool that allows people to cater to their unique learning needs, from introductory to advanced. Users search and select training opportunities that best suit them to ultimately tailor a bespoke program for their individual or business needs."

The Federal Government has entrusted DTA with establishing a national dementia education and training standards framework. The framework, which will be released in July, will serve as a national touchstone for the skills and expertise required to offer quality dementia care and support.

To facilitate this endeavour, Dementia Training Australia has joined forces with premier universities and aligned 130 courses and tools with the forthcoming framework. The organisation has developed an aptitude for converting scientific research into hands-on training remarkably faster than conventional timelines. Where converting clinical research into practical training can ordinarily take up to seven years, DTA is delivering its research-driven courses within a two-year period, with some courses being availed in as little as nine months.

As part of its objective to elevate dementia training standards within Australia, Dementia Training Australia provides world-class, based-on-evidence education and resources that are ready for access, free of charge. These resources are made available as a proactive response to the demographic shift predicted within Australia, which will see nearly 20% of the population over 65 by 2031, thereby intensifying the demand for care. Dr Meyer highlights the pertinence of the Learning Pathways platform in this regard, stating, "Dementia is Australia's second leading cause of death and the leading cause in women... Learning pathways will give Australians the highest quality, evidence-based education. It is essential for preparing a skilled workforce".

Made possible through a consortium funded by the Australian government, Dementia Training Australia combines the proficiency of five universities and Dementia Australia, coordinated by the University of Wollongong. Established in 2016, it has since been dedicated to nationwide education and training on caring for people with dementia.