Exploring The Impact A Training Programme Has On Healthcare Staff Attitudes And Understandings Of Dementia: A Mixed Methods Evaluation Study

Background Increased longevity is a worldwide development that demonstrates the benefits of improved socioeconomic and health care factors. Dementia is a condition associated with ageing but not unique to the aged. The term... [ view full abstract ]

Background
Increased longevity is a worldwide development that demonstrates the benefits of improved socioeconomic and health care factors. Dementia is a condition associated with ageing but not unique to the aged. The term dementia refers to a group of diseases characterised by progressive and mainly irreversible decline in memory, language and comprehension. Dementia is a global health challenge. From an Irish context the number of people with dementia is expected to double by 2031.
The Irish government launched The National Dementia Strategy in 2014 and one of its aims included the provision of quality care for people with dementia. This challenges society to be dementia friendly. From a healthcare perspective, the strategy requires staff to be prepared to engage with people who have dementia, which in turn would lead to better outcomes for staff and patients.
Aim and Objectives
The aim of this study is to explore the impact a training programme has on healthcare staff attitudes and understandings of dementia.
Methods:
The philosophical underpinning of this study’s methodology is pragmatism. This is a mixed methods evaluative study which involves both questionnaires and semi structured interviews. An evaluation study involves a thorough assessment of a programme to determine its merit and significance. Ethical approval has been granted for this study through The Cork Research and Ethics Committee, The Clinical Ethics Committee of the Bon Secours Health System and The Institutes’ Research Ethics Committee.
Findings:
Preliminary findings so far indicate that there was a significant shift towards a more positive approach to dementia care post the training programme. The majority of this shift had been accounted for by the items associated with person-centred approaches pre mean 47 and post mean is 52. However so far items associated with hope has had a negative effect pre mean 33 and post mean 31.
Conclusions and Implications:
No previous study has formally evaluated this programme or its impact on participant attitudes to or understanding of dementia. The outcomes of this study have the potential to influence educational programme delivery, policy development and ultimately the healthcare experience of persons with dementia.