Date Presented 03/26/20
As the need for education of caregivers for people with dementia increases, OT is well suited to fill the demand using an understanding of the whole person, need for meaningful occupation, and interaction with the environment. At this time, the contribution of OT is not well understood or sought after by families, physicians, and other practitioners. With evidence gained from validated research, the role of OT in dementia care is strengthened.
Primary Author and Speaker: Lisa Hong
Contributing Authors: Dana Howell, Elizabeth David Bowman, Jared Ricks, Theodore Peterson
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify changes in caregiver perception after participation in an interactive educational program. The study came about as the need for effective caregiver education increases. As caregivers are often thrust into their roles with little to no preparation, this need becomes more apparent. OT practitioners are well-suited for the role of educator. The following research questions were used:
1) What is the perception of both professional and family caregivers about their ability to provide care following an interactive educational program for dementia care?
2) Does an education program change the caregiver’s general knowledge of dementia?
3) Does an education program for dementia care change the caregiver’s perceived ability to care for the person with dementia?
DESIGN: This mixed methods design was set in a rural area using a caregiver education class provided by a local university’s continuing education program. Participants are students in a 3-session class on dementia care who volunteered to share experiences and insight. Participants are professional or family caregivers caring for a person(s) with dementia.
METHOD: After informed consent was obtained, participants were given pre- and post-testing tools to gather information regarding general dementia knowledge and perceptions of ability to fulfill roles of caregiver. Tools were developed by the research team using a multiple choice format for dementia knowledge and a visual analog scale for measurement of perception. A semi-structured interview was conducted with individuals in a private setting at the conclusion of class series to share caregiving experience. Results of pre- and post-test were compared for changes. Qualitative interviews were transcribed and coded for themes.
RESULTS: Qualitative interviews yielded thematic codes including caregiver burden, benefit of education and educational format, and quality of care. Quantitative results showed an improvement in the perception of their ability to provide care. No significant change in dementia knowledge was measured.
CONCLUSION: The objective of the study was to discover the impact of education for caregivers of people with dementia. Although participation was limited, rich descriptions were given with initial indications that perception positively changed after completion of the education module. Although participants originally enrolled to increase knowledge of dementia, no significant change was found. However, a greater impact was noted in the improved perception of ability to fill the role of caregiver after participation in the classes.
IMPACT: As the population of people with dementia increases, the need to prepare caregivers is imperative. Quality education structured with interactive components improves learning and increases interaction between participants. This interaction can result in formation of informal support network for caregivers, a benefit deemed highly valuable by study participants. Education for caregivers is beneficial and occupational therapy practitioners, with their background and ability to provide education, are well poised to fill the role of educator. At this time, education is not traditionally reimbursed by payer sources, yet is beneficial in the care of those with dementia. Education of caregivers can impact quality of life and occupational therapy can demonstrate its value in this area. In order to demonstrate that value, studies such as this are important to quantify current practices.
References
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