EFFECTS OF THE SIMULATION BASED TRAINING PROGRAM ON ATTITUDES OF NURSES TOWARDS OLDER ADULTS: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN STUDY

Purpose: Innovative activities such as the simulation-based training program can affect nurses' attitudes toward older adults. This study was aimed to determine the effects of the simulation-based training programs on nurses' attitudes towards older adults in institutional care settings. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used. A total of 92 nurses participated in simulation-based training program that comprised presentation about care for older adults, and scenario with aged simulation suit. Data were collected using a Participant Information Form and Kogan's Attitudes Toward Old People Scale. The value, mean, percentage frequency distribution, and paired sample t-test were used. Results: After the simulation-based training programs were completed, the mean total score (p=0.001) and positive attitudes of score of the nurses was changed statistically significantly (p=0.001). There was no statistically significant change negative attitudes (p=0.274). Conclusions: The simulation-based training program is effective in developing more positive and less negative attitude toward the older adults by nurses in institutional care settings. The aging-simulation experience affected health professionals' feelings and knowledge. To provide better care for the older adults, it is important that nurses adopt a positive attitude toward the older adults.