A board game's impact on nursing students' knowledge about elder neglect and abuse: a randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Elder neglect and abuse are significant public health issues requiring knowledgeable healthcare professionals.
• Nursing students require effective educational tools to understand and address elder abuse and neglect.
• Current educational methods may have varying levels of effectiveness in knowledge transfer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a board game intervention on nursing students' knowledge of older adult neglect and abuse.
• To compare the effectiveness of a board game versus traditional case study discussions in enhancing this knowledge.
• To assess the overall improvement in knowledge regarding elder abuse and neglect among nursing students.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with nursing students.
• An experimental group received a board game intervention, while a control group engaged in case study discussions.
• Both groups received initial theoretical training on elder neglect and abuse, with knowledge assessed using the Older People Neglect and Abuse Knowledge Test.

Main Results:

• Knowledge scores increased in both the experimental and control groups post-intervention.
• The experimental group, using the board game, demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in knowledge scores (d=1.89) compared to the control group (d=0.58).
• The difference in knowledge improvement between the groups was statistically significant (p=0.049).

Conclusions:

• Board games are an effective tool for enhancing nursing students' knowledge of older adult neglect and abuse.
• Case study discussions also contribute to increased knowledge, though to a lesser extent than the board game.
• Educational interventions, including engaging formats like board games, are crucial for improving awareness and competence in addressing elder abuse.