Learning What Matters: Students' Reflections on Age-Friendly Care in Nursing Homes

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Education
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• The Age-Friendly Care 4Ms Framework (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility) is crucial for optimizing care for older adults.
• Integrating gerontological principles into early nursing education is essential for developing competent healthcare professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore second-year nursing students' perceptions and clinical learning experiences with the Age-Friendly Care 4Ms Framework.
• To understand how early exposure to age-friendly care principles influences nursing students' professional development.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative exploratory study utilizing inductive thematic analysis.
• Analysis of student-generated clinical reflections and course artifacts.
• Independent coding and synthesis of data by researchers for rigor.

Main Results:

• Five key themes emerged: Challenging Assumptions, Upholding Dignity and Personhood, Communication and Connection, Staff Engagement and Family Involvement, and Shared Humanity.
• Students demonstrated enhanced empathy, critical thinking, and a shift towards person-centered care.
• Nursing home experiences were pivotal in shaping professional identity.

Conclusions:

• Integrating the 4Ms Framework into early clinical education positively impacts nursing students' attitudes and skills.
• Structured, age-friendly clinical experiences enhance communication and prepare students for effective geriatric care.
• The study underscores the value of nursing home settings in geriatric nursing education.