Impact of OMA on Health Care Trainee Attitudes and Perceptions Toward People Living with Dementia
2024

Impact of OMA on Health Care Trainee Attitudes Toward People Living with Dementia

Sample size: 52 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Berish Diane, Rank Jennifer, Whitaker Janice, George Daniel

Primary Institution: The Pennsylvania State University

Hypothesis

Experiences in the arts and humanities can improve healthcare trainees' attitudes and perceptions toward people living with dementia.

Conclusion

Arts-based learning experiences like OMA can foster more positive attitudes among healthcare trainees towards people living with dementia.

Supporting Evidence

  • Clinical students reported higher levels of comfort with PLWD on both Allophilia and Dementia Attitudes scales.
  • Memory cafĂ© students showed improved Allophilia scores and Dementia Attitudes knowledge.
  • Medical students trained in OMA showed significantly larger pre-post improvement in Dementia Attitudes scores.

Takeaway

This study shows that activities involving art can help students feel better about working with people who have dementia.

Methodology

Pre and post assessments were conducted with nursing and medical students who participated in OMA.

Participant Demographics

First- and second-year nursing and medical students at Penn State University.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1507

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