by LHP Skillnet
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by LHP Skillnet
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LHP Skillnet and Department of Health: Evaluating the Impact of the Gerontological Nursing Initiative
Background
LHP Skillnet, in partnership with the Department of Health, commissioned an independent research organisation (M-CO) to complete a three-stage evaluation of the Diploma in Gerontological Nursing Initiative (DiGNI), providing a comprehensive picture of the programme’s impact on nurses, nursing homes and the quality of care provided to older people.
The initiative was established to strengthen specialist knowledge and expertise in gerontological nursing across Ireland’s private nursing home sector. Following the launch of the partnership in 2024, nurses from private nursing homes across the country were supported to undertake a QQI Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontological Nursing through participating Higher Education Institutions.
The two evaluation reports and the final impact report followed the initiative at different phases, examining the experience of participating nurses and nursing homes during the programme and the longer-term application and impact of learning after completion.
What Did the Evaluations Find?
Across the two years of the initiative, 398 nurses participated from 338 nursing homes.
The evaluations found that:
- 92% of nurses continued to use their learning often or very often one year after completing the programme.
- 75% reported a significant impact on the quality of care they provide.
- 80% of nurses said they were likely or very likely to remain working in the nursing home sector for the next 3–5 years.
- 55% had undertaken further education or qualifications following the programme.
- 68% of nursing homes indicated a positive impact on recruitment and retention.
The findings also highlighted reported changes in practice, increased confidence and opportunities for career development among participating nurses.
Supporting the Future & Building the Evidence
The findings provide valuable evidence of the impact of the Gerontological Nursing Initiative and the benefits of investing in postgraduate education for nurses working in the nursing home sector.
The evaluation will help inform the continued development of the initiative, support future education and workforce planning, and build a stronger evidence base around the role of gerontological nursing education in supporting quality care, professional development and retention within the sector.
Read the Evaluation Reports
LHP Skillnet is pleased to make the three reports available, providing a detailed account of the development and impact of the Diploma in Gerontological Nursing Initiative:
- Year 1 Evaluation Report
- Year 2 Evaluation Report
- Phase 3 Impact Summary Report
Together, these reports provide a comprehensive evaluation of the initiative and its contribution to strengthening gerontological nursing expertise within Ireland’s private nursing home sector.
LHP Skillnet would like to thank the participating nurses, nursing homes, Higher Education Institutions and all those who contributed to the delivery and evaluation of the initiative.
Click on the buttons below to download the evaluation reports in PDF format.
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