The evaluation of undergraduate nurses' attitudes, perspectives and perceptions toward older people

Abstract

Objectives: This literature review was undertaken to evaluate undergraduate nurses' attitudes and perspectives toward older people and perceptions of working with older people. The objectives were to (1) identify if undergraduate nurses hold positive or negative attitudes and perspectives toward older people and perceptions of working with older people, and (2) determine if positive attitudes, perspectives and perceptions can be established, maintained and improved with curriculum activities.

Design: Literature review.

Data sources: For the period 2008-2013, the literature search included an electronic database search (Medline, CINAHL, Healthsource/Academic Edition, PsycINFO and PubMed) and a hand search of reference lists of the papers included.

Results and conclusions: The analysis of 32 studies revealed that undergraduate nurses' attitudes, perspectives and perceptions are positive and it is recommended that this be the starting point for the development of curriculum activities and future research to maintain and improve this result. Finally, the limitations of recent studies are identified and a research agenda for future studies is proposed.

Keywords: Aged care; Ageism; Baccalaureate nursing programmes; Gerontological nursing; Nursing education; Nursing student attitudes; Nursing student preference; Older adults.