Attitudes toward older adults and need for education among nurses and nursing assistants

Abstract

Background: Attitudes toward older adults and education needs could influence the quality of care provided by nurses and nursing assistants. The goal of this study is to assess attitudes toward older adults and geriatric nursing education needs among nurses and nursing assistants working at long-term care hospitals in Korea. Method: Data were collected with a struc-tured self-reported questionnaire. The study included 124 nurses and 145 nursing assistants working at six long-term care hospitals in Korea. Results: No statis-tically significant difference was found between the nurses and nursing assistants in their attitudes toward older adults, with both groups showing neutral atti-tudes. Both nurses and nursing assistants had a high need for education in health issues affecting older adults. Conclusion: To improve nursing quality, a practical and systematic curriculum on older adults and their health issues is needed for nursing staff working in long-term care hospitals. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2021;52(11):517-524.]. © SLACK Incorporated.