An educational approach for patient-focused care. Shifting attitudes and practice

The authors describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a continuing education course for nurses. Goals of the program were to help change attitudes toward care of older persons and to help nurses realign value priorities in practice so the concerns, needs, and wishes of patients directed care. Learners engaged in dialogues about aging and were introduced to an alternative nurse-person process in which the patient was leader. Evaluations were positive for nurses and quality of care.