ObjectiveTo analyze the methods and effects of the reformation of undergraduate course of geriatric nursing in China. MethodsIn the spring semester of 2012 and 2013, we implemented the experiential scenario teaching and autonomous group learning with simulation and heuristic teaching method, and the nursing undergraduates were given scale of Kogan's attitude toward older people and Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz 1 for investigation. The attitude to and knowledge on the elderly were compared before and after the study. Meanwhile, we also surveyed the interest in geriatric nursing among the students. ResultsThe interest in, attitude to and knowledge on the elderly among the students increased considerably after the teaching reformation. ConclusionThe undergraduate course teaching reformation of geriatric nursing with the simulation and heuristic teaching method has achieved good effects, and it can be widely used in geriatric nursing teaching in China. In the future, the reformation should focus on improving the students' professional interests and career choice.
ObjectiveTo discuss the demands for nursing knowledge among family caregivers for elderly people, in order to provide a basis for nurses to provide effective education for these people. MethodsBetween May and June 2012, a questionnaire which contained the condition of demands for nursing knowledge and the burden of care was used to investigate 1 600 family caregivers for the elderly people. ResultsThe caregivers had a demand for nursing knowledge, which may include the knowledge on medicine, disease and caregiving. The demand for knowledge was correlated with relationship between the caregivers and care recipients, health condition of the caregivers and care burden. ConclusionThe demands for nursing knowledge are higher in those who have spouse and high burden of care, without disease and symptom; we should pay more attention on them and take measures to reduce their burden of care.