Implementing Microlearning in Nursing Homes: Implications for Policy and Practice in Person-Centered Dementia Care. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Inker, Jenny; Jensen, Christine; Barsness, Sonya; Stewart, Mary Martha
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied gerontology. Volume 40:Number 9(2021)
• Page Start: 1062
• Page End: 1070
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: training -- dementia -- person-centered care -- nursing homes -- Alzheimer's disease -- microlearning; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1177/0733464820929832
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-4648

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop and pilot a 52-week Microlearning curriculum on person-centered dementia care in nine nursing homes. The goal was to evaluate the usability and application of Microlearning as a tool to increase staff knowledge and improve perceptions of people with dementia, thus increasing their ability to deliver person-centered care and their job satisfaction. Findings indicate that participants enjoyed the flexible, 24/7 access to training and found that the immediacy of the format encouraged them to apply their learning directly to practice. Staff knowledge and attitudes toward people with dementia were positively impacted by the training, as was job satisfaction. Further research to test the efficacy of Microlearning compared to usual training is warranted, as are coordinated policy development efforts that can guide the implementation of best practices in the use of Microlearning as an innovative training modality in nursing homes.