Modifying a multidisciplinary method to address challenging behavior in nursing home residents with dementia to involve family caregivers

Frontiers in Dementia, vol. 3, pp. 1444815

Abstract

Introduction Challenging behavior and pain are common in nursing home residents with dementia. Challenging behavior and pain can be related and are stressful for residents, family caregivers and healthcare professionals. The STA OP! method provides a step-by-step protocol to manage challenging behavior and pain in nursing home residents with dementia. However, this method does not include a prominent and active role for family caregivers. Methods The STA OP! method was modified to include a role for family caregivers, in co-creation with family caregivers and healthcare professionals using elements of a realist approach. In separate meetings, two advisory groups comprised of family caregivers and professionals discussed ideas on how to involve family caregivers in STA OP!. Furthermore, barriers to involving family and possible solutions to overcome those barriers were discussed. Experts who had experience with the STA OP! method assessed the feasibility of the ideas in a nominal group technique meeting. Results Thirty-eight ideas emerged in the advisory groups. The two ideas that generated the most discussion were Inviting family for a multidisciplinary meeting, and Assessment of pain in collaboration with family caregivers. Eventually, 21 ideas and suggestions to overcome possible barriers were included in a manual for the training of healthcare professionals in the adapted method, now called STA OP! with family. Conclusion Healthcare professionals and family caregivers collaborated well to shape the involvement of family caregivers in this method for managing challenging behavior and pain. The collected ideas supported by all involved resulted in a modified method: STA OP! with family and can now be tested in daily practice.

Authors 4

1. Petra E M Tasseron-Dries corresponding Aachen Department of Public Health and Primary Care Medical Center

   Leiden University Medical Center · Stichting Warande

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands

   Medical Department of Stichting Warande (Nursing Home Organization), Zeist, Netherlands

   University Network for the Care Sector Zuid-Holland, Leiden University, Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands

2. Hanneke J. A. Smaling Aachen Department of Public Health and Primary Care Medical Center

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands

   University Network for the Care Sector Zuid-Holland, Leiden University, Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands

3. Jenny Theodora van der Steen Aachen Department of Public Health and Primary Care

   Radboud University Nijmegen · Leiden University Medical Center · Radboud University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboudumc Alzheimer Center, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, Netherlands

   Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands

4. Wilco P. Achterberg Aachen Department of Public Health and Primary Care Medical Center

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands

   University Network for the Care Sector Zuid-Holland, Leiden University, Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands