Preparing the Next Generation of the Dementia Care Workforce via Service Learning
Author Information
Author(s): Green Makenna, Mayer Jamie, White Laura, Kouame Gail
Primary Institution: Northern Illinois University
Hypothesis
This scoping review aimed to explore the extant literature on the use of service learning pedagogy related to ADRD in higher education settings for students in health-related majors.
Conclusion
Service learning is frequently reported as a viable option for educating future dementia service providers, leading to improvements in student attitudes and knowledge about ADRD.
Supporting Evidence
- A large workforce gap in dementia providers is widening with education as a frequently cited barrier to entry into the ADRD workforce.
- Most ADRD service learning paradigms relied on setting-specific training.
- Informal activities and creative arts were the most commonly utilized types of service learning experiences.
Takeaway
This study looked at how students can learn about dementia care through community service, and it found that this method helps them understand and feel better about working with people who have dementia.
Methodology
A systematic search was conducted using seven databases, and included studies were analyzed for characteristics such as student demographics and SL components.
Limitations
Variability in how service learning is represented in the literature.
Participant Demographics
Undergraduate and graduate students in health-related disciplines.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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