Education program promoting report of elder abuse by nursing students: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nursing Education
• Gerontology

Background:

• Elder abuse is a critical public health issue.
• Nurses often lack the knowledge to effectively respond to elder abuse.
• Addressing this knowledge gap is crucial for protecting older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an educational program for nursing students focused on elder abuse.
• To enhance nursing students' intent to report elder abuse.
• To improve attitudes towards older adults and knowledge concerning elder abuse.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods design using the ADDIE model.
• Quantitative assessment of attitudes, knowledge, awareness, and intent to report before and after the program.
• Qualitative analysis of student feedback through group interviews.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in positive attitudes toward older adults.
• Substantial improvements in knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding elder abuse.
• A marked increase in nursing students' intent to report elder abuse.

Conclusions:

• The educational program effectively enhanced nursing students' capacity to address elder abuse.
• Program delivery methods require refinement for broader implementation.
• Further strategies are needed to maximize student engagement and program dissemination.