Evaluating the Curricula for Entry-Level Care Professionals in Aging-Related Fields

Abstract

The rapidly growing older population has generated the need for more gerontological or geriatric care professionals. This study evaluated the undergraduate programs offered by the departments of medicine, nursing studies and social work at a university in Hong Kong, based on the data of a recent alumni survey. It also identified factors that determine the perceived adequacy of training. The training was found to be moderately adequate in preparing the alumni for practice in the field of aging, but there is a need to improve the existing curricula. Suggestions for further studies are discussed.

This research was supported by a grant from the Wu Jieh-Yee Research Fund.

Notes

^a 0 = not adequate; 1 = somewhat adequate; 2 = adequate; 3 = very adequate.

^b Comparison among medicine, nursing, and social work graduates.

^a Figures shown are standardized regression coefficient, unless otherwise indicated.

^b Figures shown in this row are unstandardized regression coefficients.

∗ ≤ .05;

∗∗ ≤ .01;

∗∗∗ ≤ .001.

^a 0 = Not at all; − 1 = Somewhat necessary; − 2 = Necessary; − 3 = Very necessary.

^b Comparison among medicine, nursing, and social work graduates.