The Expertise of Childcare Workers without Certification working in Pediatric Wards:

A Literature Review

Abstract

This study reviewed the literature to extract the expertise of childcare workers in pediatric wards and evaluate the expertise of childcare workers who do not hold medical childcare specialist certificates. Six items regarding expertise (“attitude toward children,” “medical knowledge and skills,” “cooperation with other professions,” “developmental support,” “livelihood support,” and “professional responsibilities”) were identified from the literature review. Then a survey regarding these six expertise items was distributed to hospitals with pediatrics across Japan. The results were evaluated by t-test and analysis of variance. It was indicated that childcare workers without the certification emphasized the importance of expertise regarding “attitude toward children,” “medical knowledge and skills,” “cooperation with other professions,” and “developmental support,” while they thought less importance regarding “livelihood support” and “professional responsibilities.”