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Ageing as part of the curriculum for health‐care professionals: A Queensland Survey
Author(s) -
Liddle Jacki,
Beattie Elizabeth,
Gan Brenda,
Bennett Sally,
Pachancy A.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12775
Subject(s) - accreditation , specialty , curriculum , perception , health professionals , ageing , medicine , nursing , aged care , gerontology , healthy ageing , health care , medical education , psychology , family medicine , pedagogy , political science , neuroscience , law
Abstract Objectives Education affects the attitudes and abilities of health professionals regarding older people. This study examines the nature and amount of ageing‐related content in programs at universities and in continuing education in Queensland for disciplines involved in the direct care of older people. Methods Surveys developed for the different settings were sent to universities and health professional representative bodies. Results Representatives from thirty (of 71) programs and 12 (of 22) professional bodies responded. Many program representatives (62%) reported ageing content was at an appropriate level. The remainder indicated it was too low. Representatives from professional bodies identified ageing was a priority (81%) and offered ageing‐related education (72%). Time spent on ageing in university programs varied widely (median of 67 hours [interquartile range: 222.5]). Qualitative feedback indicated tensions existed about accreditation standards and perceptions of ageing as a specialty versus a core practice area. Conclusion Ageing‐related education for health professionals requires attention to address shortcomings.