A Critical Review of Interventions Addressing Ageist Attitudes in Healthcare Professional Education

Abstract

Research specific to occupational therapy is required as our unique frames of reference and theoretical models to guide practice may preclude generalizability of research from other professional groups.

Occupational Therapy Education, Attitudes on Aging, and Occupational Therapy Students and Therapists Interest in Gerontology Practice

“…While quantitative analyses found positive attitudes toward older adults for therapists and students based on Refined-ASD scores, qualitative student focus group data found negative perspectives of older adults in 41% of themes. Negative perspectives were also found to be a theme identified with disinterest in gerontology practice (15%), reflecting research findings of negative attitudes among OT students, therapists, and other health providers (Brown et al, 2011;Giles et al, 2002;Klein & Liu, 2010;Rybarczyk et al, 2001). Although negative attitudes toward older adults were not prevalent among all student participants, negative perspectives remain a professional problem that educators need to address, appreciating the influence of OT role models (educators and clinicians), gerontology education (course work, clinical, and service learning experiences), and intergenerational engagement on student attitudes and career interests.…”

“…Careers in gerontology are often perceived as undesirable and unrewarding and are cited as reasons why diverse health professionals choose not to work with older adults (Brown et al, 2011;Eshbaugh et al, 2010;Giles et al, 2002;Horowitz & Bressler, 2000;International Longevity Center, 2006;Kane & Kane, 2005;Klein & Liu, 2010;Moriello et al, 2005;Powell et al, 2008). While there are limited studies addressing ageism and occupational therapy, there is some evidence of more positive attitudes about aging and reduced ageism among OTs.…”

A critical review of published research literature reviews on nursing and healthcare ageism

“…As indicated, 12 published research literature reviews on various nursing and healthcare ageism topics were found. Three reviews focused on nurses (Deasey, Kable, & Jeong, ; Hanson, ; Ingham & Fielding, ) and three reviews focused on healthcare providers in general (Brown, Kother, & Wielandt, ; Eymard & Douglas, ; Liu, While, Norman, & Ye, ). Less common foci were acute‐care nurses (Courtney, Tong, & Walsh, ), medical students (Meisner, ), nurses and nursing students (Liu, Norman, & While, ), nursing students (Neville & Dickie, ), healthcare students (Chonody, ) and healthcare systems (Kydd & Fleming, ).…”

“…For instance, Brown et al. () concluded that positive clinical experiences with older people are important for positive attitudes towards older people, yet also stated that evidence supporting positive clinical experiences was limited to one rigorous study. Similarly, Chonody () stated that “the results of this systematic review overwhelmingly point to the conclusion that pedagogical interventions aimed at changing student attitudes and knowledge are working” (p. 882) and yet major research evidence issues and gaps were cited.…”

Health-promotion in the context of ageing and migration: a call for person-centred integrated practice

“…Health professionals’ attitudes have previously been reported to influence the provision of health care services to persons who are born abroad [11, 17, 18] and older persons [19, 20]. However, health is a human right [21], and in Europe people who have migrated generally are entitled to the same formal rights as their native-born counterparts [22].…”