Evaluating outcomes of Taiwan's first gerontology certification program

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Geriatric Care Education
• Healthcare Professional Training
• Aging Population Studies

Background:

• The global elderly population is rapidly increasing, necessitating skilled healthcare professionals.
• Existing gerontology curricula require enhancement to meet the demands of an aging demographic.
• The National Project for Excellence in Gerontological Care Education (NPEGCE) was established in Taiwan to address this need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate student satisfaction with the inaugural National Project for Excellence in Gerontological Care Education (NPEGCE) in Taiwan.
• To identify factors influencing student satisfaction within the NPEGCE program.
• To assess the potential impact of the NPEGCE on attitudes towards elderly care.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 151 medical, nursing, and physical therapy students.
• Administration of a satisfaction questionnaire designed by a multidisciplinary faculty committee.
• Statistical analysis including factor extraction and reliability testing (Cronbach's alpha 0.92-0.96).

Main Results:

• Overall student satisfaction with the NPEGCE was moderate, ranging from satisfied to very satisfied.
• Medical students reported higher satisfaction levels compared to nursing and physical therapy students.
• Curriculum and Teaching emerged as key factors correlating strongly with overall satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• The NPEGCE demonstrates a moderate level of student satisfaction and appears to foster a more positive attitude towards the elderly.
• While results are from a single institution and not generalizable, the project shows potential as a catalyst for improved elder care.
• This study provides the first student satisfaction report for such a program in Taiwan, highlighting areas for future development.