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The community gerontological nurse: themes from a needs analysis
I M Oberski1, D E Carter, M Gray
1Department of Nursing and Midwifery Studies, University of Glasgow, Scotland.
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|April 10, 1999
Summary
Registered nurses require updated training for community care of older people. Educational needs analysis reveals a need for integrated skills in social and mental health, challenging current training approaches.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nursing Education
- Community Health Nursing
Background:
- The shift of healthcare to community settings necessitates a reevaluation of nursing roles for older adults.
- Nurses with hospital-based training may lack preparedness for evolving community care demands.
- Existing training may not adequately address the specific needs of older individuals in non-hospital environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct an educational needs analysis for registered nurses in community-based elder care.
- To inform the development of a new university module focused on community care of older people.
- To identify key areas for curriculum enhancement in gerontological nursing.
Main Methods:
- Focus groups with registered nurses.
- Individual interviews with healthcare professionals.
- Group discussions with older adults receiving community care.
Main Results:
- Identified a specialist/generalist theme regarding role definition and gerontological specialization.
- Highlighted a social/medical theme, emphasizing the shift towards a social model of care.
- Revealed a physical health/mental health theme, indicating a need for integrated skills.
Conclusions:
- Significant attitude shifts are required among healthcare professionals.
- Educationalists face a major challenge in adapting nursing curricula for community elder care.
- There is a clear need for enhanced training in gerontology, social care, and integrated mental health nursing for community settings.