Assessing Educational Needs of Unlicensed Assistive Personnel in Assisted Living Facilities Caring for Dementia Patients

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Randa Eury (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Background: The World Health Organization predicts the number of dementia cases worldwide to grow to 65.7 million by 2030 and 115.4 million by 2050. As this occurs, an increased number of older adults are expected to seek supportive services in residential care or assisted living facilities (ALF) to assist with increased care needs. In 2010, over 40% of ALF residents carried a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or another type of dementia. In the ALF setting, unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) provide the majority of patient care, yet likely receive insufficient education and training on the disease process and how to deal with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Method: A quality improvement project with an educational program developed by the University of Iowa for UAP caring for dementia patients in the ALF setting. A needs assessment was performed via retrospective chart review to support the need for the program. A modified version of the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) was administered to establish a baseline understanding of dementia and familiarity with BPSD. This information supported the need for additional dementia specific education among the UAP at this facility. An educational intervention utilizing the Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold (PLST) model was provided to the UAP with the modified ADKS administered again following education. Results: Analysis of the data showed the majority of residents carried a diagnosis of dementia and were being treated with a cholinesterase inhibitor. Benzodiazepines were used less frequently than antidepressants for these residents. A paired T-test analysis produced a significant improvement in ADKS scores between the pre and post-test. Interpretation: Data analysis demonstrated the improved UAP knowledge of dementia and BPSD and UAP provided feedback on feeling better prepared to care for dementia patients.

Additional Information

Publication

Other

Eury, R., (2015). Assessing educational needs of unlicensed assistive personnel in assisted living facilities caring for dementia patients. Unpublished manuscript, College of Nursing, East Carolina University.

Language: English

Date: 2015

Keywords

Dementia, Unlicensed Assistive Personnel, Assisted Living Facility, Education

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