The effect of combining an e-learning module with s Virtual Dementia Tour® on knowledge and attitudes toward person-centered dementia care in prelicensure nursing education.

BACKGROUND: Due to the global prevalence of dementia the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease recommended that healthcare professionals prepare to address the complex needs of people with dementia. To address this gap, nursing programs adopted experiential learning methods. While such methodologies are increasingly used, limited evidence exists to inform best teaching practices.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the combined effect of an e-learning module with a virtual simulation on nursing students' knowledge and attitudes of dementia.

METHODS: The study followed quasi-experimental design with a cross-over and pretest/posttest design. A convenience sample of nursing students was recruited from three public universities in the Southeast United States.

RESULTS: Significant improvements in attitudes toward people with dementia were found in students with previous dementia care experience or those employed to provide services to people with dementia. Experience was a stronger predictor of attitudes than education. However, the reliability of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale was not sufficient in this study.

SIGNIFICANCE: The findings may inform best practices in nursing education to prepare graduates to provide quality care for people with dementia.