Using the Simulated Aged Person Program in University Health Science Class

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of the simulated aged person program in university health science class. Subjects were 96 university students. 47 of them majored in sociology and 49 majored in social welfare. The acceptability was significantly influenced by specialty field. The students belong to social welfare had affirmative evaluation than, that belong to sociology. There were significant difference in effectiveness and general evaluation between students with experience and supporter. The students pointed out the difficulty in the sight, finger, leg, hearing, arm and color vision. As a result of this practical program, the students increased awareness of the psychological problems of the elderly, as well as functional fitness. Furthermore, simulation experience was useful for understanding social problems, and encouraging more physical and psychological support. These results suggested that simulated aged person program may have the acceptability, effectiveness and significance in health science class.