Author:

Keywords:

geriatric nursing education, digital reflection game, awareness

Abstract:

Background One of the challenges faced in nursing education is generating students’ interest for working with frail elderly. Positive teacher communication may have a positive effect on students’ attitude towards the care for older adults. Relevance However, based on low attendance numbers at training initiatives, nursing teachers seem to have little interest in geriatric care. Aim With the digital reflection game Geraware, we want teachers to discover the challenges of this nursing field and hereby increase awareness of their own attitude with regard to geriatric care. Participants For the creation of the game, working field experts and teachers of all four university colleges of the Association KULeuven Belgium act as a sounding board for two project staff members who are in charge of the practical elaboration since September 2014. Once the game is completed, all nursing teachers of the Association KULeuven will be invited to use Geraware. They will be able to use fragments as motivating didactic material for their students. Methods An older woman falling at home triggers the participant to have a closer look at her situation. Film fragments of interviews with this person express her wishes. Relatives and the general practitioner share their opinion. By means of questions throughout the story, the participant is invited to reflect on the provided care and alternative solutions and to take position. Comments can be shared with fellow users via built-in social media. The choice for a real person, the use of film fragments and learning by reflecting individually and from other users’ reactions are evidence-based principles integrated in the tool. Evaluation In May 2015 fifty nursing teachers will test the tool and evaluate its user experience and usability by means of an online questionnaire. Based on this feedback, the tool will be 2 adjusted and completed. A re-evaluation with all nursing teachers of the Association KULeuven is planned for early 2016. Conclusion Through the empathy-based approach of Geraware, nursing teachers will be faced with the challenges of elderly care. We believe this experience will contribute to enhancing the image of geriatric care.