Abstract (300 words maximum)
Background: Healthcare and allied professionals (HAP) play an important role in providing quality care for persons living with Alzheimer's and related dementias (ADRD) and their families. With over 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older living with ADRD, it is imperative that HAP students are properly educated in dementia care prior to graduating from their programs. Examples, registered nurses play an essential role in providing quality care to persons living with dementia, which is why it is important for nursing students to be given an education on ADRD-related care.
Objective: To explore the experience of HAP students in learning about dementia care and their use of educational technology in developing related competence.
Methods: This research used secondary analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from a larger study to explore the targeted populations’ experience and analyze the use of gamified virtual reality applications in dementia care education. Participants eligible for this study are enrolled in undergraduate healthcare or allied programs, aged 18 or older and have completed coursework focused on dementia care. Recruitment was then conducted through advertisements in student organizations using flyers and email correspondence with student groups. Three focus group sessions were conducted, lasting between 60-90 minutes and analyzed using a thematic approach. Socio-demographic data were collected.
Preliminary findings: 18 final-year HAP students from diverse programs participated in the study, aged over 18 years old. Two main themes were revealed: (1) Limited dementia educational apps available for students and (2) Lack of dementia care experiential learning opportunities.
Conclusions: This study identified the limitations of the current pedagogical methodologies and the availability of technologies-aided teaching/learning apps about dementia care for HAP students.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS - Nursing
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Modupe Akintomide
Exploring Technology-Aided Education in Dementia Care
Background: Healthcare and allied professionals (HAP) play an important role in providing quality care for persons living with Alzheimer's and related dementias (ADRD) and their families. With over 6.9 million Americans aged 65 and older living with ADRD, it is imperative that HAP students are properly educated in dementia care prior to graduating from their programs. Examples, registered nurses play an essential role in providing quality care to persons living with dementia, which is why it is important for nursing students to be given an education on ADRD-related care.
Objective: To explore the experience of HAP students in learning about dementia care and their use of educational technology in developing related competence.
Methods: This research used secondary analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from a larger study to explore the targeted populations’ experience and analyze the use of gamified virtual reality applications in dementia care education. Participants eligible for this study are enrolled in undergraduate healthcare or allied programs, aged 18 or older and have completed coursework focused on dementia care. Recruitment was then conducted through advertisements in student organizations using flyers and email correspondence with student groups. Three focus group sessions were conducted, lasting between 60-90 minutes and analyzed using a thematic approach. Socio-demographic data were collected.
Preliminary findings: 18 final-year HAP students from diverse programs participated in the study, aged over 18 years old. Two main themes were revealed: (1) Limited dementia educational apps available for students and (2) Lack of dementia care experiential learning opportunities.
Conclusions: This study identified the limitations of the current pedagogical methodologies and the availability of technologies-aided teaching/learning apps about dementia care for HAP students.