Elderspeak in German nursing education: Using video vignettes to assess perceptions of nursing trainees – a descriptive educational intervention study using a single-group post-test design

Elderspeak - patronizing, infantilizing speech directed at older adults - may undermine autonomy and person-centered care. We evaluated a brief, video-vignette-supported workshop for nursing trainees and described their communication practices with older patients. In a descriptive educational intervention study using a single-group post-test design in Germany (March-April 2025), 50 trainees (mean age 20.3 years, 74% female) completed a structured questionnaire before/after the session. Descriptive analyses emphasized effect-focused reporting. Most trainees reported adapting their speech for older versus younger patients (92%); common adaptations included louder voice (88%), slower rate (78%), simplified sentences (68%), collective formulations (30%), and terms of endearment (26%). Elderspeak was often observed in routine care (64%) or sometimes (32%). After the workshop, 96% felt confident to recognize elderspeak and 92% intended to reflect on and adjust future communication; 80% requested more curricular coverage. A workshop may increase awareness of 'elderspeak' and help nursing students differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate communication adjustments.