Writing Lives: The Development of Nurse Education by Using the Biographies of Older People

Abstract

The development of gerontological nurse education in North Wales is an ongoing project and is mainly centred on partnership between the School of Nursing, University of Wales, Bangor and the three local NHS Trusts that cover a substantial, and largely rural, geographical area. The Health care and ageing module coursework focuses on a biographical approach to understanding ageing and chronicity, underpinned by an emic viewpoint. Following preparation by the primary lecturer (SW), this requires the production of a 3,500 word assignment based on taking the life history of an older person from their work setting. The module assessment and engagement strategy utilises Johnson’s (1978) framework as the basis for completing an older person’s life history. The current Health care and ageing programme commenced in 1998 and so far five cohorts (n=46) have successfully completed the module. This chapter explores the theoretical rationale for developing and evaluating the ‘Health care and ageing: integrating perspectives’ module on the DPP framework, a short 15 day course that is accessed by nurse practitioners from a range of settings within the NHS and private sectors, including acute, and community sectors, mental health and continuing care