Cross-cultural perspectives on gerontology in nursing education - a qualitative study of nurse educators' experiences

This study focuses on nurse educators' perspectives on teaching gerontology within nursing curricula in two cultures. An increasing aging multi-cultural population with large caring needs requires not only informal elder care provided by family members, but also professional nursing staff trained in gerontology. The aim of this study was to explore how Swedish and Thai nurse educators describe the role of teaching gerontology within nursing educations in Sweden and Thailand. Method: Qualitative open-ended interviews with 13 Swedish and Thai nurse educators were conducted and analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Findings: There is a lack of gerontological nursing competence in faculty, as well as bureaucracy impeding necessary changes of curricula, together with difficulties in highlighting positive and cultural aspects of aging. Conclusions: Pedagogical strategies need to be developed by nurse educators specialized in cross-cultural gerontology to improve current and future nursing educations in both countries.