Construction of a Training System for Elderly Caregivers Based on the Improvement of Elderly Health Literacy

Abstract Background With the accelerated aging of China’s population, elderly health management confronts severe challenges. Elderly caregivers, as direct providers of elderly health care, have health literacy-related capabilities that directly impact the health status of the elderly. However, the existing elderly caregiver training system suffers from fragmented content, insufficient practical sessions, and disconnection from actual health needs, failing to meet the demand for enhancing elderly health literacy. Purpose The primary objective is to address the mismatch between existing caregiver training and the actual health literacy needs of the elderly. By examining the current competency structure and identifying gaps in caregivers’ health literacy–related abilities, the study seeks to construct a scientifically grounded and practically applicable caregiver training system. The ultimate purpose is to enhance caregivers’ functional, interactive, and critical health literacy, thereby promoting better health management for the elderly. Methods This study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating literature research, questionnaire survey, and case analysis. Guided by the three-level theory of elderly health literacy (functional, interactive, and critical), the study analyzed the structural characteristics and competency gaps of elderly caregivers using data from 7,264 elderly caregivers across 23 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China. It systematically explored the correlation between the core dimensions of elderly health literacy and caregiver training, ultimately constructing a caregiver training system integrated with health literacy enhancement. To further validate the rationality of the training system, the Delphi method was employed to invite 20 experts to screen and analyze the indicators. Results The survey revealed distinct "one high and three lows" characteristics of the elderly caregiver team: a high proportion of middle-aged and elderly individuals (60% aged 50 and above), low educational level (63% with junior high school education or below), low social recognition, and low welfare benefits. Nearly 40% of caregivers lacked professional qualification certificates, and over one-third were deficient in professional skills. In addition, the coefficient of variation using the Delphi method for both consultation rounds was <0.3, with overall coordination coefficients of 0.361 and 0.442 (both P<0.001). The finalized training system comprises 7 primary indicators, including conceptual objectives, curriculum content, and course structure. The 28 secondary indicators cover three curriculum modules ("basic theory + professional skills + comprehensive ability") and "pre-event, in-event, post-event" quality feedback mechanism. Conclusions The training system for elderly caregivers based on the improvement of elderly health literacy integrates the three-level health literacy model with the post competency system. It not only addresses the insufficient professional capabilities of current caregivers but also effectively improves the elderly’s ability to obtain, understand, evaluate, and apply health information. This system provides a theoretical basis and practical scheme for improving the health literacy level of the elderly and proactively responding to population aging.