Thomas Johann Gehr1,2, Cornel Christian Sieber3,4, Ellen Freiberger3, Sabine Alexandra Engel5,6. 1. Institute of Biomedicine of Aging (IBA), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Kobergerstraße 60, 90408, Nuremberg, Germany. Thomas.gehr@fau.de. 2. Department of General Internal and Geriatric Medicine, Hospital of the Order of St. John of God Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. Thomas.gehr@fau.de. 3. Institute of Biomedicine of Aging (IBA), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Kobergerstraße 60, 90408, Nuremberg, Germany. 4. Department of Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland. 5. Department of Social Services, Catholic University of Applied Sciences of North Rhine-Westphalia, Campus Paderborn, Paderborn, Germany. 6. Private Institute for Gerontological Intervention and EduKation at Dementia GmbH, Buckenhof, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: An increasing number of people with dementia (PwD) are being hospitalized due to acute conditions. The surrounding conditions and procedures in acute hospitals are not oriented to the special needs of this vulnerable patient group. The behavior of PwD poses particular challenges and burdens for nursing staff. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-day dementia training program with a self-reflection component compared to a standard 1.5‑h training of nursing staff caring for PwD in acute hospitals. METHODS: A nonrandomized pretest-posttest study with a control group was conducted in three German acute hospitals. Through a questionnaire, nursing staff caring for PwD were examined for potential changes in attitude, strain and confidence levels. The intervention group (n = 32) received a 2-day training program, "EduKation demenz® Nursing", the control group (n = 36) participated in a short,1.5‑h dementia training. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvement in perceived strain (p = 0.007) and in confidence in caring for PwD (p < 0.001). There were positive but not significant changes in attitude (p = 0.176). CONCLUSION: "EduKation demenz® Nursing", a 2-day training program with a self-reflection component, could provide more effective support for nursing staff in acute hospitals caring for PwD than a 1.5‑h training. Results indicate, however, that general conditions in acute hospitals should be changed to allow nursing staff to apply the knowledge gained.
BACKGROUND: An increasing number of people with dementia (PwD) are being hospitalized due to acute conditions. The surrounding conditions and procedures in acute hospitals are not oriented to the special needs of this vulnerable patient group. The behavior of PwD poses particular challenges and burdens for nursing staff. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-day dementia training program with a self-reflection component compared to a standard 1.5‑h training of nursing staff caring for PwD in acute hospitals. METHODS: A nonrandomized pretest-posttest study with a control group was conducted in three German acute hospitals. Through a questionnaire, nursing staff caring for PwD were examined for potential changes in attitude, strain and confidence levels. The intervention group (n = 32) received a 2-day training program, "EduKation demenz® Nursing", the control group (n = 36) participated in a short,1.5‑h dementia training. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the intervention group demonstrated statistically significant improvement in perceived strain (p = 0.007) and in confidence in caring for PwD (p < 0.001). There were positive but not significant changes in attitude (p = 0.176). CONCLUSION: "EduKation demenz® Nursing", a 2-day training program with a self-reflection component, could provide more effective support for nursing staff in acute hospitals caring for PwD than a 1.5‑h training. Results indicate, however, that general conditions in acute hospitals should be changed to allow nursing staff to apply the knowledge gained.
Authors: J B Hessler; M Schäufele; I Hendlmeier; M N Junge; S Leonhardt; J Weber; H Bickel Journal: Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci Date: 2017-01-09 Impact factor: 6.892
Authors: Ruth Elvish; Simon Burrow; Rosanne Cawley; Kathryn Harney; Pat Graham; Mark Pilling; Julie Gregory; Pamela Roach; Jane Fossey; John Keady Journal: Aging Ment Health Date: 2013-12-12 Impact factor: 3.658