<Original>A Study of the Development of a Method of Gerontological Nursing Education Using Braces for Simulation of the Experience of the Elderly

PURPOSE Our purpose was to determine whether using braces which simulate impaired movement functions of the elderly would increase nursing students awareness of problems facing the elderly in everyday activities, and encourage students to give them more physical and emotional support. METHOD 192 nursing students were asked to experience 13 different daily life activities wearing a simulation brace, and then respond to questionnaires 3 times: before, immediately after, and 6 months after this experience. Questions about attitudes and behavior toward the elderly were asked at all 3 times; questions about the simulated experience were asked at both times afterwards. RESULTS (1) Participants rated [down the 「stairs」 and 「down the slope」 most difficult, choosing "can't do quickly" "feel afraid of falling down" "fear" and "need a walking stick and/or support". (2) After this experience participants' willingness to give physical support increased, and willingness to give emotional support greatly increased, with 7 factor rates significantly increasing altogether. Although 6 factor rates decreased somewhat after 6 months, all remained higher than before. CONCLUSION Simulated experience effectively increases nursing students awareness of the needs of the elderly, thereby increasing their willingness to give both physical and emotional support