1. A curriculum and literature review on the integration of Gerontology in health related programs in Alberta and in Canada
Funded by an internal grant from
Academic Innovation and Applied Research
Bow Valley College
Calgary, Alberta
Maria Manese, RN MN GNC(C)

2. Why this research?
2013 Statistics from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA):
More than 6000 of LPNs work with seniors in different health settings. 1
Purpose of the research
The number of seniors in Canada, as well as employment opportunities for Licensed Practical Nurses in the field of gerontology has been increasing; however, both literature and feedback from nursing units indicate that gerontologic care is more complex than most graduates are prepared for. Therefore, this research will inform enhancement in curriculum in both formal education and workplace settings.

3. What is the rationale of this research?
To identify gaps in gerontologic education as reported in literature across gerontologic nursing settings:
Hospital
Continuing care
Home care

4. What is the research design and method?
Type of literature review: Conceptual review
Research method:
CINAHL and EBSCO databases using the keywords gerontology, health, nursing, curriculum, integration, gerontology competencies, geriatric syndromes, older adults/people
B. Google search of Canadian post secondary health and social service curricula
Inclusion and exclusion criteria

5. What was found out? Curriculum review
Integration of gerontology >> stand alone gerontology course
Literature review – gaps in gerontologic education across health settings
Acute care
1. maintaining functional abilities of seniors
2. interdisciplinary communication
3. geriatric syndromes and managing responsive behaviours
Long-term care
1. assessment and mgt. of physical & cognitive changes; end-of-life needs
2. leadership skills
Gerontology is integrated in most Canadian health services programs, while a few programs with a standalone gerontology course focus on the macro implications of aging in society, and the challenges involved as a family member transitions through old age. Key topics in social gerontology include demography, sociology of aging, psychology of aging, and social policy.

6. What’s next?
Phase II of research (ongoing): confirming findings with workplace interviews of gerontology nurses across health care settings to confirm gaps in gerontologic education
The results will be discussed with the curriculum committee of the College, and will be mapped and objectively integrated in the curriculum.

7. Changing General Sociology course to Sociology of Aging
Bow Valley College: Adapting Practical Nursing Curriculum to workplace needs
Ongoing
Mapping curriculum to integrate gerontology and palliative care more objectively
Fall 2017
Changing General Sociology course to Sociology of Aging

8. Thank you!
Feedback, comments, collaboration: