[Survey on healthcare provider awareness of cosmetic therapy for older adults of in-and-out geriatric hospital departments].

Abstract

AIM\nThis study aimed to determine the perceptions among healthcare providers of the clinical need for cosmetic therapy among older adults.\n\n\nMETHODS\nA questionnaire was distributed to 190 medical staff regarding their perceptions of cosmetic therapy for older adults. The survey included questions on occupation, sex, age, cosmetic therapy in older adults, and acceptable cosmetic treatments. Nurses answered questions regarding the type of ward in which they worked.\n\n\nRESULTS\nCompleted questionnaires were collected from 121 people (mean age 33.3±9.4; men n=42). The participants included nurses (n=55), physical therapists (n=25), occupational therapists (n=15), and other occupations (n=26). Most participants believed that makeup improves the quality of life of older adults; however, many participants first became aware of the existence of cosmetic therapy through this survey. Half of the participants were interested in participating in cosmetic therapy, and a high number of women and nurses were interested. Most cosmetic treatments were acceptable to those caring for outpatients, while those caring for hospitalized patients showed low acceptance rates for treatments other than skin care. The acceptance rates tended to be particularly high for participants who worked in rehabilitation wards.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nMany participants believed cosmetic therapy to be effective in improving the quality of life; however, only about half of all subjects were interested in participating in cosmetic therapy. The acceptance rate of cosmetic treatments differed by work environment. This study provided valuable data contributing to the spread of cosmetic therapy.