Evaluation of continuing education for long-term care personnel: impact upon attitudes and knowledge

Nursing assistants (aides) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) from three proprietary nursing homes participated in a continuing education program designed to enhance knowledge and attitudes about the elderly in long-term care. The program covered six weeks for the initial 115 aides and one full-day seminar for the 83 LPNs. The content covered knowledge and human anatomy, the physiology of normal aging, physical and psychosocial problems of the elderly and, for the nurses, problems associated with cardiovascular accidents. The final participants (29 aides and 52 LPNs) consisted of those who were tested before and after their training with respect to knowledge, life satisfaction, and attitudes toward the elderly. Results indicated overall favorable changes for both aides and LPNs, particularly in the areas of increased knowledge and more positive attitudes. The data suggest that continuing education is an effective means of influencing the knowledge and attitudes of personnel in long-term care facilities, and it should be a first step toward improving the quality of care for elderly residents.