Geriatric Nursing and Long Term Care Content in Baccalaureate Nursing Programs in Taiwan

Abstract

Background: The population aged 65 years old and above is expected to dramatically increase annually in Taiwan. Health care professionals need to be prepared to better serve the aged and disabled population. The purpose of this study is to survey Taiwan's current Geriatric Nursing (GN) or Long Term Care (LTC) courses offered in baccalaureate nursing programs. Methods: A descriptive research design was used and detailed checklist review was applied. Data were obtained from the official websites for the content review of Taiwan's current baccalaureate programs in GN and/or LTC course offered in baccalaureate nursing programs. Results: The results showed that the content of the GN course included aging process, communication, ethical, elderly activity, health promotion, nutrition and dementia care. LTC courses focus on the current system of LTC, policy, management of LTC institutions, ethical issues in LTC, and various types of LTC services such as day care, home care and LTC facilities. Conclusion: The survey findings indicated that GN and LTC education must be recognized by providing required stand-alone courses and interdisciplinary education in nursing curricula. These courses should be included in curricular design and innovations to ensure nursing students to acquire strong competence for the future through education.