The impact of scenario-based aging simulation experience on empathy, attitudes toward and willingness to work with older adults in health sciences senior year students: A randomized controlled trial

Aim

This study was conducted to investigate the impacts of scenario-based aging simulation experience (SBASE) on students’ empathy, attitudes toward and willingness to work with older adults.

Background

Innovative teaching strategies such as SBASE have the potential to provide students with the essential skills required for working with older adults.

Design

This study has a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

This study was conducted in west of Turkiye with 120 health sciences senior year students (45 nursing students, 54 medicine students and 21 physical therapy and rehabilitation students) in 2022–2023. The students were randomly assigned to intervention or control group (IG-CG). The IG received SBASE. Pre- and post-tests (after intervention, 1 and 3 months later) were conducted. Data were collected using the descriptive characteristics form, Kogan's attitudes toward old people scale, basic empathy scale and willingness to work with elderly people scale.

Results

The IG participants recorded statistically better scores regarding positive attitudes towards older adults, in terms of the group x time interaction (t: 2.521, p: 0.036). However, there was no significant difference in the variables investigated between the groups.

Conclusions

SBASE appeared to be effective in improving health sciences students’ positive attitudes towards older adults. Health care providers should have a more positive attitude toward older adults to improve levels of care.

Data availability

Data and supplementary material related to this article can be obtained from the corresponding author upon request.