Evaluation of the Master’s curriculum for elderly nursing: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Improving the quality of health care and rehabilitation for the elderly is one of the most important priorities of the health care system. Given the importance of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of any program after its implementation, this study was conducted to identify the advantages and weaknesses of a geriatric nursing program at Tehran University of Medical Sciences.

Methods

This was a qualitative study, and the study population comprised students, graduates, and professors of geriatric nursing at the Master of Science level. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and focus groups. Sixteen interviews were conducted. The interview guide was used as a research tool. Interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results

Three main themes including “motivation to enter geriatric nursing”, “lack of employment groundwork”, and “lack of practical implementation of the curriculum” were the main findings of the study.

Conclusion

Efforts to restructure the administrative system and employment can deter geriatric nursing students from simply earning a degree and actually encourage them to learn the required content. Appraisal and improvement of education facilities for student recruitment can guarantee the practical implementation of the curriculum. Drafting policies to attract graduates in clinical environments, opening up employment opportunities, providing organizational positions for the recruitment of this group, as well as dedicating some wards for elderly special care and providing nursing care to elderly people only can increase students’ motivation to learn and their hopes of good job prospects.

Keywords:

• Iran
• geriatric nursing
• content analysis
• MS student

Acknowledgments

The study protocol of this research was approved by Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, No 22245. The authors appreciate all the participants who shared their experiences with us.

Author contributions

Dr Fatemeh Ghaffari participated in data analysis and writing of the manuscript. Dr Nahid Dehghan-Nayeri participated in writing both the manuscript and the proposal. Ms Nasrin Navabi and Dr Khatereh Seylani participated in data collection. All authors contributed toward data analysis, drafting and critically revising the paper and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.