Disrupting Younger Adults’ Age-based Stereotypes: The Impact of an Intergenerational Artistic Installation

Influencing Nursing Student Attitudes Toward Older Adults: A Pre/Post Interventional Study

BACKGROUND

The older adult population in the US is burgeoning and nurses will be at the forefront of providing the skilled, compassionate care needed for them. Undergraduate nursing students do not commonly desire to work with older adults after graduation, likely related to negative attitudes, which can adversely impact the care provided.

AIM

To determine the effect of a course using a suite of teaching techniques designed to positively shift nursing students' attitudes toward older adults.

DESIGN

A one group pre and post-test design was used to test the effect of completion of the Nursing Care of the Older Adult course on baccalaureate undergraduate junior level nursing students' attitudes toward older people at a large University in the Midwest for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020).

METHODS

A quality assurance evaluation using a voluntary anonymous survey (Kogan's Attitude Toward Older People Instrument) on paper (2019) or online (2020) took place on the first and last day of class. Normality was assessed and the central limit theorem was applicable, therefore, independent samples t-tests were performed on the primary outcome, total score, with the primary predictor as pre vs post. This process was repeated on a 2020 cohort in the same course with a paired samples t-test, as paired subject ID's were recorded in 2020 but not in 2019. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all parts of academic life, no direct comparisons were made between the 2019 and 2020 samples. Course content included lectures, videos, MaskEd™ simulation, group work, case studies and clinical experiences.

RESULTS

Both cohorts had significant improvement in the total Kogan instrument score, indicating a positive change in attitudes toward older adults [2019 pre M 167.2, SD 20.3 to post M 176.9, SD 22.4, t (292.43) =3.96, p<0.001 and 2020 pre M 179.4, SD 21.3 to post M 188.1, SD 22.2, t (70) =-5.61, p<0.001].

CONCLUSION

The innovative, intentional teaching strategies incorporated into this gerontology course were effective in promoting positive attitudes toward older adults.

IMPACT STATEMENT

Providing knowledge about and interaction with older adults can positively influence nursing students' attitudes and contribute to the improvement health care outcomes for this population.

Anti-Ageism Social Actions: Lights and Shadows

Ageism refers to the stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination towards others or oneself due to age, and it is the most prevalent type of social disadvantage, even more so than those due to gender and race, with negative effects worldwide. Ageism is an evidently real social problem that needs to be addressed and fought. Our study has two main objectives: firstly, to study to what extent programmes, projects or actions have been developed to combat ageism around the world; and secondly, to what extent they have been evaluated via the positive outcomes registered by the participants. Two different information sources were used: (a) a literature review of ageism programmes or interventions; and (b) an online questionnaire sent to international and national institutions surveying their policies or programmes against ageism. Our results show a relatively high number of actions combating ageism but a lack of a systematic evaluation of the outcomes of those actions. In conclusion, first, it is necessary to develop programmes and actions combating ageism, and the evaluation of these programmes is urgently needed in order to identify strategies that truly and effectively tackle ageism. There is a need to urge institutions to perform external evaluations of their anti-ageism social policies and to encourage scientists to conduct randomized and controlled studies.

Improving Nursing Student Attitudes Toward Older Adults Through the Use of Mask-Ed™ Simulation

Older adults are significant consumers of health care, yet studies find many health care students do not want to work with this population. This negative attitude can impact health outcomes. Increased exposure to older adults is linked to increased positive attitudes toward older adult care. Addressing the need for increased opportunities to interact with older adults will likely enhance these attitudes and thus improve health outcomes. In the current study, four varied Mask-Ed™ simulation activities were used in a course with a specific focus on nursing care of older adults. The Mask-Ed™ character, an older adult woman, works with students and provides opportunities for positive interactions/experiences. Students responded positively to simulation activities. Students described the experiences as helpful in increasing their confidence and comfort level with older adults. This unique experience fostered positive attitudes toward older adults among nursing students by giving them the opportunity to practice engaging with this population. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 47(12), 43-47.].