A Feasibility Evaluation of the Need-Centered Watch-Assess-Need Intervention-Think Education and Training Program for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

Abstract

Background Despite the high prevalence of dementia among residents living in long-term care facilities in Taiwan, most care providers in these facilities have not received adequate training to deal with the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). An original care and management model for BPSD has been developed, and model-based recommendations for an education and training program have been made. However, empirical testing has not yet been conducted to determine the efficacy of this program. Purpose This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of using the Watch-Assess-Need intervention-Think (WANT) education and training program for BPSD in long-term care settings. Methods A mixed-method design was used. Twenty care providers and 20 corresponding care receivers (residents with dementia) from a nursing home in southern Taiwan were enrolled. Data were collected using a variety of measurement tools, including the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory, Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, Attitude towards Dementia Care Scale, and Dementia Behavior Disturbance Self-efficacy Scale. Qualitative data, including care-provider perspectives on the efficacy of the WANT education and training program, were also collected. Repeated measures were conducted on the results of quantitative data analysis, whereas content analysis was performed on the results of qualitative data analysis. Results Findings indicate that the program relieves agitated behavior (p =.01), alleviates depression in those with dementia (p