Reducing Ageism in Nursing Students: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of an Interactive Desktop...

This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated whether a Gagné's model-based interactive desktop simulation program could reduce ageism and improve nursing students' attitudes toward older adult care. Hundred and twenty nursing students were randomized to an intervention group (n = 60) receiving eight sessions combining Gagné's instructional events, desktop simulations, case discussions, and structured reflection, or a control group (n = 60) receiving no intervention. Groups were comparable at baseline across all outcome measures (WEPS, FSA, PCOP-SV; all p > 0.05). Post-intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in willingness to work with older adults (WEPS), reduced ageist attitudes (FSA), and more positive perspectives on caring for older patients (PCOP-SV), with statistically significant group-by-time interactions across all three outcomes sustained at follow-up. A simulation-enhanced instructional program based on Gagné's model shows promise for improving attitudinal outcomes in gerontological nursing education. Findings are preliminary and should be interpreted cautiously given the pilot design and complete-case analysis. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT0613947.