Student perceptions of older adults after a music intervention: A mixed approach

The aims of this project were to investigate changes in nursing students' attitudes and perceptions of older adults after implementing individualized Music and Memory© playlists. In addition, the inquiry sought to compare pre and post survey responses for changes in rankings of caring for the older adult as a career choice. The qualitative inquiry sought to explore students' perceptions of their experience through narrative journaling for a better understanding of the experience.

This study used an explanatory sequential mixed design.

A pre post-intervention approach was used for quantitative data collection along with a ranking item for career choices. Journal narratives completed within one week following the experience were explored for qualitative themes to better understand students' experiences. Attitudes and perceptions of students (N = 44) were measured by two tools before and after implementation of Music and Memory© Interventions during a 7-week clinical experience. Student journals were analyzed for themes.

In the two-tailed paired t-test, nursing students' attitudes and perceptions of caring for older adults were analyzed for differences. Significance improvement was found in students' reported interaction scores and other constructs (p ≤ .01). Mean ranking of caring for the older adult improved from 7.6 to 7.0 in the post intervention analysis. Student journals reported the activity as worthwhile and time consuming.

As the baby boomer generation ages the need for residential long-term care is projected to increase significantly. Recruiting and retaining nurses to care for this vulnerable population is challenging. Music and Memory© Interventions have the potential to change student attitudes and perceptions of the older adult that could improve caring for the older adult as a career choice.