(12) The effect of combining e-learning module with simulation on prelicensure nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward person-centered dementia care

Abstract:

Background: Due to the rising global prevalence of dementia, the US Department of Health and Human Services National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease recommended that healthcare professionals develop competency in the complex care of people with dementia. As nursing programs add experiential learning to develop students’ dementia care competency, gaps remain in the curriculum. While e-learning modules allow students to engage in self-pace learning, this study evaluated the effect of both types of learning on developing dementia care competency.

Purpose: This study evaluated the combined effect of an e-learning module with a Virtual Dementia Tour® on nursing students’ knowledge and attitudes toward dementia care. Bandura’s social cognitive theory theoretical framework states personal and environmental factors affect knowledge and attitudes. The e-learning module was developed using this framework by a geriatric clinical nurse specialist and a faculty certified in healthcare simulation.

Methods: The study used a crossover, quasi-experimental, multi-site design with a pretest/posttest approach. A convenience sample of nursing students was recruited from three public universities in the Southeast United States.

Results: Significant improvements in attitudes toward people with dementia found in students with previous dementia care experience or those employed to provide services to people with dementia. Findings supported Bandura’s premise that lived experiences, and outside influences are essential to learning and developing self-efficacy,

Significance: The findings may inform best practices in nursing education to prepare practice ready graduates with dementia care competency to provide quality care for people with dementia. Experience was a stronger predictor of attitudes than education.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to view your poster.: Dementia care competency was assessed after students completed an e-learning module and simulation . This research focused on students outcomes by measuring their knowledge and attitudes toward dementia using a pretest/postest design. Students who completed the e-learning module before the simulation demonstrated an increase in knowledge scores. Also, participating in a virtual simulation resulted in more positive student attitudes toward dementia care.