DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL FOR THE PREVENTION OF AGEISM IN NURSING PRACTICE IN A TEAM WITH SOCIAL GERONTOLOGIST

One  key characteristics of professionalism is acquiring new knowledge based on the evidence-based development of innovative models and their practical implementation. The present study describes the development of a multidisciplinary model with a social gerontologist at its center, called the Model of Ageism Prevention in Nursing Practice. It considers the role of a social gerontologist in the most dominant demographic phenomenon of aging population. The developed model gives an overview of the current situation, explains the theories on which the conceptual framework is based, discuss some key criticisms and offers solutions. Implementing the Model of Ageism Prevention in Nursing Practice aims to strengthen the multidisciplinary team, modernise nursing, and raise standards of nursing care. Recent literature has been analysed and synthesised to develop this theoretical model for preventing ageism in nursing. The education of nurses, on the one hand, and the intergenerational contacts of the beneficiaries, on the other hand, are successful in preventing age discrimination after identifying critical points. The model explains the role of the social gerontologist as a link that connects these relationships. The development of these concepts will increase the satisfaction level of the health care users with the satisfaction from nursing care, consequently improving the quality of nursing care. Most importantly, nurses can reduce prejudice against older people and take preventative measures once they know the existing problem. The ageism prevention model seems appropriate for educational curriculum creators and national programs. Future studies are expected to validate the model and improve it. It is suggested that the guidelines of the Model of Ageism Prevention can be used as the starting point for developing a national program to prevent age discrimination in practice.