Baccalaureate Nursing Education Related to Ageing and the Care of Older People: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND

Although educators are working to improve gerontological content in baccalaureate nursing programmes to keep pace with changing population demographics, it is unclear what types of educational interventions are occurring.

AIM

The aim of this scoping review was to map baccalaureate nursing educational interventions related to ageing and the care of older people.

METHODS

A search was conducted in six databases. Databases searched were CINAHL, Medline, EMBASE, Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC), Scopus, Education Database and Education Research Complete for articles published between January 2013 and June 2023. Sixty-five articles met all inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on year, country, characteristics of interventions, methodological approach, evaluation, analysis and outcomes. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess quality. Analysis included descriptive frequencies and directed content analysis.

RESULTS

We examined the patterns of publication, research methodologies, quality, education types and types of outcomes used. We noted an increase in research in the past 10 years examining gerontological education and an increase in the use of simulation, e-learning and community clinical placements. Most studies were descriptive, with only four randomised controlled trials.

CONCLUSION

This review found improvement in the overall quality of reporting. Studies examining knowledge and skill have increased. There is heterogeneity in tools used to evaluate quantitative outcomes, and an increase in e-learning, simulation and clinical placements in community settings.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Stronger measures are warranted to ensure gerontological education is included throughout nursing education programmes. Education innovations must be spread to improve preparation of nursing graduates.