Ageing population challenges nursing – education must meet the challenges of working life

There is a need to develop nurses’ skills in caring for older people both nationally and internationally. The project, coordinated by Turku University of Applied Sciences, will ensure the continuing education of nurses.

Text by Aleksi Rajamäki

Population ageing poses significant challenges for health care and nursing worldwide. In Europe alone, the number of older people is expected to increase significantly over the next decades.

– The change will require a reorganisation of social and health services to meet a wide range of needs. In particular, the growing shortage of nurses is putting pressure on healthcare systems,” says Sini Eloranta , Senior Lecturer at Turku University of Applied Sciences.

Comprehensive assessment improves the quality of life of older people

According to Eloranta, higher education that complements nursing skills must be developed in line with the requirements of working life. Geriatric assessment is not sufficiently taught to nurses, and the extent of nursing education for older people varies.

– A holistic view of a patient’s health is essential in the care of older people. The nurse’s skills are crucial to identifying the health problem and getting help from the right professional at the right time.

Geriatric assessment looks at a person’s functional and cognitive abilities, social and economic situation, environmental factors and physical and mental health. A successful assessment improves quality of life, slows down frailty and reduces hospitalisation.

– Age-related health problems are not always recognised or properly addressed. For example, multi-morbidity can quickly lead to complications of illness and reduced functional capacity,” says Eloranta.

Innovative training programme for nurses

Turku University of Applied Sciences has started a new three-year project to produce a continuing education programme for nurses.

– Continuing training aims to ensure that carers have the necessary skills to meet the diverse needs of older people and promote their well-being. Experts and patients will be involved in the design of this innovative training programme,” says Sini Eloranta, project manager.

The project will be carried out in cooperation with gerontological nursing professionals in the Southwest Finland welfare area. There are also partners from Greece, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Denmark and the Åland Islands. The curriculum will be developed on an international basis so that it can be applied widely across Europe.

– This project, co-funded by the European Union, will use an entrepreneurial approach to nursing and develop new digital teaching methods and work-based learning environments. We aim to make nursing education more attractive.

The article was published on the previous turkuamk.fi website on 17.6.2024.