Clinical Course Development on Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms Care in Nursing Homes

As the United States population ages, there is an urgent need to prepare nurses specialized in geriatric care, particularly in long-term care. Clinical curricula in nursing homes (NH) are needed to enhance geriatric training for prelicensure students.

An 8-week (5 hours per week), 1-credit elective clinical course based on the Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) 4Ms framework was developed and implemented through an academic-practice partnership with an NH. Undergraduate nursing students engaged in weekly learning activities and developed a case study applying the 4Ms. Evaluation included pre- and postcourse surveys of student and faculty competency ratings.

Postcourse data showed positive trends in student competency, especially in clinical assessment skills and person-centered care. Qualitative feedback highlighted improved understanding of geriatric care and nurse-resident relationships.

The AFHS 4Ms-based course demonstrates NH can be effective clinical learning environments. Structured and competency-based curricula can enhance student preparedness for geriatric nursing.