Evaluation of an Educational Intervention to Reduce Ageism and Enhance Inclusive Care Among Healthcare Providers: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background

Ageism in healthcare is harmful. Theory-based approaches (e.g., Positive Education about Aging and Contact Experiences [PEACE] model), suggest that combining education and meaningful contact can reduce ageist attitudes.

Objective

The present study evaluated a half-day educational intervention using lectures and animated videos to reduce healthcare providers’ ageist attitudes.

Methods

A single-group pre–post design used three lectures and three animated videos. Scores of Attitudes and Thoughts Toward Older People Scale (AT-TOPS) with pre–post changes were analyzed using paired t-tests with associated effect sizes to assess changes in age-related attitudes.

Results

Healthcare providers (n = 61) who completed the course showed significant improvements in AT-TOPS scores (t = 3.03, p = 0.004, d = 0.39). Item-level analyses indicated reduced ageist attitudes about older adults’ competence, productivity, family burden, and work suitability.

Conclusion

The findings suggested that the intervention produced immediate reductions in institutional and interpersonal ageist attitudes, highlighting short-term attitudinal shifts consistent with PEACE-based mechanisms rather than enduring behavioral change.