Skill Gap Analysis Of Home Healthcare Caregivers:A Study Of Carefirst Home Healthcare, Chennai

ABSTRACT
The home healthcare sector plays a vital role in delivering patientcentered services, particularly for elderly and chronically ill
individuals. The effectiveness of such services largely depends on
caregiver competencies. This study aims to analyse the skill gaps
among caregivers working at Carefirst Home Healthcare, Chennai. A
descriptive research design was adopted, and primary data were
collected from 51 caregivers using a structured questionnaire.
Percentage analysis, correlation, and ANOVA were employed to
examine relationships between training adequacy and caregiver
performance. The results revealed significant positive relationships
between training sufficiency and caregiver competencies such as
medication administration, patient care knowledge, and emergency
handling ability. Despite possessing basic caregiving skills,
caregivers demonstrated deficiencies in advanced clinical skills,
communication abilities, hygiene awareness, and stress management
practices. The study recommends structured training programs,
certification-based learning, and continuous professional
development initiatives to enhance caregiver competencies and improve service quality.
Keywords: Home healthcare, Skill gap, Caregivers, Training effectiveness, Workforce development, Patient
safety