title: [The need for training in gerontology and geriatrics among the staff providing services at a geriatric care institution].
abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and identify the basic training needs of nursing home staff, in terms of attitudes, knowledge and skills required to work effectively with geriatric patients. Three focus groups were performed, two groups of employees, and a group of elderly residents of the institution, in order to explore issues pertaining to the following topics: personal attributes required to work with geriatric patients, basic knowledge and skills needed to provide effective services. Group discussions were transcribed and themes were extracted through consensus reached by the investigators. Results indicated that the interviewed staff lack of formal preparation or continuing education in gerontology or geriatrics. Needs identified were the following: the aging process, caring behaviors, management of common health conditions, administration of medications, transference and mobility of residents, among others. Finding were use to design an educational program aimed in assisting nursing home staff in providing an effective service to their geriatric patients.
authors.affiliation: Programa de Maestría en Salud Pública con especialidad en Gerontología, Departamento de Desarrollo Humano, Escuela Graduada de Salud Pública, Recinto de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Puerto Rico, PO Box 365067, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00936-5067.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Baerga Duperoy
authors.forename: Nydia
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Castro Rojas
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Orta Rodríguez
authors.forename: Enid
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: González Caraballo
authors.forename: Angel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cruz González
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vázquez Fernández
authors.forename: Marlén
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oliver Vázquez
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education*; D006268:Health Facilities; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male