Author Identifier
Mustafa Atee: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0837-3245
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Clinical Gerontologist
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
School
Centre for Research in Aged Care / School of Nursing and Midwifery
RAS ID
77399
Funders
University of South Australia / Australian Government Research Training Program International
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the healthcare professionals and paid caregivers toward non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) for managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in Australian residential aged care homes (RACHs). Methods: A cross-sectional, online survey was completed by RACH staff and physicians over the period 6 March-31 August 2023. Descriptive statistics were used to present the results. Results: Ninety-six respondents participated (41.7% aged 35–54 years, 80.2% female, 38.5% nurses). While 50–65% of the respondents were extremely familiar with 15 of NPIs, only 22% believed there was a sufficient funding for their implementation, and 6% felt there were sufficient human resources. Although 66% of the respondents viewed NPIs as more useful than medications, only 46% expected consistent positive outcomes from NPIs. The most used NPIs were redirection, behaviour management, and validation therapy. Conclusions: The study highlights that barrier such as inadequate funding, limited human resources, skepticism about NPIs’ effectiveness, unfamiliarity with certain NPIs, and unfavourable attitude toward NPIs are likely to slow NPI adoption for BPSD management. Clinical implication: To improve practice, it is essential to address these barriers through targeted education, and training, increased funding, and enhancement of the workforce.
DOI
10.1080/07317115.2024.2419929
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
Ayeno, H. D., Atee, M., Kassie, G. M., & Nguyen, T. A. (2024). Knowledge, attitude, and practice of care providers toward non-pharmacological intervention for managing behavioural and psychological symptoms in Australian aged care residents with dementia: A cross-sectional survey. Clinical Gerontologist. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2024.2419929