Improving practicing nurses’ knowledge and perceptions of older people: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to determine if an e-learning module about understanding and communicating with older people can improve practicing nurses’ ageist perceptions about older people. Methods We used a quasi-experimental pre-post-test design. Participants completed a 13-item Ambivalent Ageism Scale before and after completing the Understanding and Communicating with Older People e-learning module as well as a Likert-style feedback survey with the option for written feedback on an open-ended question. Results Pre-post-test comparisons indicated a statistically significant decrease in ageist attitudes and self-reported increases in knowledge and confidence in working with older people. Qualitative analysis of written feedback revealed that most participants felt the module enhanced their understanding of older people. Conclusions The e-learning activity has the potential to improve practicing nurses’ knowledge and perceptions about working with older people and is likely to be associated with better patient-level outcomes.