Preparing students for intentional conversations with older adults: A narrative competence initiative

Title: Preparing students for intentional conversations with older adults: A narrative competence initiative. Authors: Margaret McAllister, Colleen Ryan, Deb Friel, Donna Lee Brien Abstract Background Aged care presents particular challenges for clinical learning, because stigma and poorly developed psycho-social skills compound feelings of students’ inadequacy. Further, residents’ loneliness and social disconnection are issues that students could be empowered to address. Aim This presentation discusses the findings of an evaluation, presently underway, of an educational innovation that combined the narrative arts and nursing education. The aim was to better prepare students in making a positive difference to the aged-care community by using narrative skills to increase networks of communication with older people. Intervention Design Narrative Competence (NC) is the ability to deeply listen to a person’s story and then to communicate that story back so that it becomes life-enhancing . It involves three interrelated skills: intentional conversation; being conscious of the self-in-relation to other; and creating client ease. Previous studies show that NC improves patient safety and quality of life, and produces work satisfaction and wellbeing in clinicians . We developed a one-day interactive workshop involving film discussion, biographical story-telling models, and guided NC development. Evaluation A case study examined the impact of the learning experience. Focus groups provided qualitative data and a questionnaire and self-efficacy scale were administered to understand students’ perceptions of NC and the impact of the workshop on confidence in communicating with older people. Conclusion Narrative competence provides a novel solution to a difficult problem – that many nursing students are reluctant to engage in aged-care placements. Equipped with vital psycho-social capabilities students can make a positive difference to this community. NC develops intentional conversational skills, empathic engagement, communication, cultural competence, collaborative goal setting, and fosters a sense of community.