Stepping into the shoes of older people: a scoping review of simulating ageing experiences for healthcare professional students

Background Ageing simulation suits and equipment give healthcare professional (HCP) students the opportunity to experience what it might feel like to be an older person with age-related disability or illness. Ageing simulation experiences, where students complete activities of daily living (ADL) tasks, aim to reproduce the challenges an older person may face.Objectives We undertook a scoping literature review to establish, from the evidence base, what is known about simulating ageing experiences for HCP students and its impact on attitudes towards older patients.Methods We applied Arksey and O'Malley's scoping literature review framework to achieve relevant articles. Four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) were searched resulting in 114 citations. After screening and applying our exclusion criteria, 14 articles were selected for inclusion.Results Fifty percent of studies were mixed-methods, 35% quasi-experimental, 7% quantitative and 7% qualitative. Two types of simulation experience were identified: (i) workshop based and (ii) ageing games. Simulated impairments included vision, hearing and mobility issues. Most common ADLs simulated were managing medications, finances and functional ability. The majority of studies reported a positive impact on knowledge, attitudes and empathy towards older people.Conclusions Teaching in Care of Older People is important in HCP undergraduate curricula and should be a positive experience promoting successful ageing while raising awareness of ageism. Ageing suits have a positive impact on students' attitudes and empathic skills towards older people. Future research should include interprofessional education with HCP students learning together throughout undergraduate training.