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Middleton LE, Pelletier C, Koch M, Norman R, Dupuis S, Astell A, Giangregorio L, Freeman S. Dementia-Inclusive Choices for Exercise Toolkit: Impact on the Knowledge, Perspectives, and Practices of Exercise Providers. J Aging Phys Act 2024; 32:360-369. [PMID: 38262407 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2022-0401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Physical activity improves the well-being of persons living with dementia but few exercise programs include them. The Dementia-Inclusive Choices for Exercise (DICE) toolkit aims to improve exercise providers' understanding of dementia and ability to support persons living with dementia in physical activity. We evaluated the co-designed DICE toolkit with exercise providers using a mixed-methods approach comprising pre/post questionnaires and interviews and reflection diaries. Among 16 participants, self-efficacy for exercise delivery to persons living with dementia and both knowledge and attitudes toward dementia significantly improved. Thematic analysis suggested participants (a) had a deeper understanding of the variability of dementia, (b) were planning for equitable access for persons living with dementia, (c) planned to promote social connection through exercise, and (d) were optimistic for future engagement with persons living with dementia. The DICE toolkit may improve exercise providers' knowledge and confidence to plan proactively to support persons living with dementia in programs and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Middleton
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo,ON, Canada
| | - Chelsea Pelletier
- School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
| | - Melissa Koch
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Rebekah Norman
- Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Sherry Dupuis
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo,ON, Canada
- Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Arlene Astell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, USA
| | - Lora Giangregorio
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo,ON, Canada
| | - Shannon Freeman
- Department of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
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Middleton LE, Pelletier CA, Koch M, Norman R, Dupuis S, Astell A, Giangregorio LM, Hart F, Heibein W, Hughes C, Johannesson C, Pearce B, Regan K, Rossignoli C, Andrew M, Pettersen JA, Freeman S. The dementia-inclusive choices in exercise project: Using participatory action research to improve physical activity supports for persons with dementia. DEMENTIA 2023; 22:1651-1676. [PMID: 37715689 DOI: 10.1177/14713012231197144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Persons with dementia have the right to equal inclusion in rehabilitation, including physical activity. However, the perspectives of persons with dementia are rarely integrated into decision-making related to physical activity programming, services, and supports. Here, we describe the participatory action research (PAR) approach used to develop the Dementia-Inclusive Choices for Exercise (DICE) toolkit, which aims to increase the quality and number of physical activity opportunities available to persons with dementia. The DICE Research Team included persons with dementia, a family care partner, exercise professionals, community and dementia service providers, health care professionals, and researchers who worked to: 1) Engage/maintain the Research Team; 2) Set/navigate ways of engagement; 3) Understand barriers to physical activity; 4) Prioritize the audience and actions; 5) Develop the toolkit; 6) Conduct usability testing; and 7) Implement and evaluate. Guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel, and informed by interviews, focus groups, and existing research, our PAR Team chose to prioritize training exercise providers; exercise providers can enable exercise for persons with dementia if they understand common changes with dementia and how to support persons with dementia in exercise. The content and format of the toolkit was co-developed: drafted by our Research Team, adapted through a stakeholder workshop, and refined through iterative development and usability testing. The product of our PAR process, the DICE toolkit, includes videos meant to destigmatize dementia, training modules and a training manual for exercise providers, a physical activity handout for persons with dementia, and wallet cards to help persons with dementia communicate their abilities, needs, and preferences. Our usability study indicated that the toolkit could be used by exercise providers and may improve attitudes about dementia. Our vision is that our co-developed DICE toolkit will empower exercise providers to improve physical activity opportunities and support for persons with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kayla Regan
- University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Shannon Freeman
- University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada
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Middleton LE, Freeman S, Pelletier C, Regan K, Donnelly R, Skinner K, Wei C, Rossnagel E, Nasir HJ, Albisser T, Ajwani F, Aziz S, Heibein W, Holmes A, Johannesson C, Romano I, Sanchez L, Butler A, Doggett A, Buchan MC, Keller H. Dementia resources for eating, activity, and meaningful inclusion (DREAM) toolkit co-development: process, output, and lessons learned. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2023; 9:87. [PMID: 37775790 PMCID: PMC10542247 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-023-00497-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Promoting wellbeing of persons with dementia and their families is a priority of research and practice. Engaging diverse partners, including persons with dementia and their families, to co-develop interventions promotes relevant and impactful solutions. We describe the process, output, and lessons learned from the dementia resources for eating, activity, and meaningful inclusion (DREAM) project, which co-developed tools/resources with persons with dementia, care partners, community service providers, health care professionals, and researchers with the aim of increasing supports for physical activity, healthy eating, and wellbeing of persons with dementia. Our process included: (1) Engaging and maintaining the DREAM Steering Team; (2) Setting and navigating ways of engagement; (3) Selecting the priority audience and content; (4) Drafting the toolkit; (5) Iterative co-development of tools and resources; (6) Usability testing; and (7) Implementation and evaluation. In virtual meetings, the DREAM Steering Team confirmed the toolkit audiences (primary: community service providers; secondary: persons with dementia and care partners) and identified and evolved content areas. An environmental scan identified few existing, high-quality resources aligned with content areas. The Steering Team, additional multi-perspective partners, and external contractors iteratively co-developed new tools/resources to meet gaps over a 4-month virtual process that included virtual meetings, email exchange of documents and feedback, and one-on-one calls by telephone or email. The final DREAM toolkit includes a website with seven learning modules (on the diversity of dementia, rights and inclusion of persons living with dementia, physical activity, healthy eating, dementia-inclusive practices), a learning manual, six videos, nine handouts, and four wallet cards ( www.dementiawellness.ca ). Our co-development participants rated the process highly in relation to the principles and enablers of authentic partnership even though all engagement was virtual. Through use of the co-developed DREAM toolkit, we anticipate community service providers will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to provide dementia-inclusive wellness programs and services that benefit persons with dementia and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Middleton
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada.
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, 250 Laurelwood Dr, Waterloo, ON, N2J 0E2, Canada.
| | - Shannon Freeman
- University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Chelsea Pelletier
- University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Kayla Regan
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Rachael Donnelly
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Kelly Skinner
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Cindy Wei
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Emma Rossnagel
- University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Huda Jamal Nasir
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Tracie Albisser
- Active Health Solutions, 150 - 556 North Nechako Road, Prince George, BC, V2K 1A1, Canada
| | - Fatim Ajwani
- University Health Network, 550 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2, Canada
| | - Sana Aziz
- Alzheimer Society of B.C., 828 W 8Th Ave Suite 300, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1E2, Canada
| | - William Heibein
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Ann Holmes
- Active Health Solutions, 150 - 556 North Nechako Road, Prince George, BC, V2K 1A1, Canada
| | - Carole Johannesson
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Isabella Romano
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Louisa Sanchez
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Alexandra Butler
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Amanda Doggett
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - M Claire Buchan
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Heather Keller
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L3G1, Canada
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, 250 Laurelwood Dr, Waterloo, ON, N2J 0E2, Canada
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Yous ML, Ploeg J, Kaasalainen S, McAiney C. Experiences of caregivers of community-dwelling older persons with moderate to advanced dementia in adapting the Namaste Care program: a qualitative descriptive study. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2022; 8:61. [PMID: 36371288 PMCID: PMC9655803 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-022-00401-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally many older persons with dementia are living at home to maintain independence within the community. As older persons with dementia transition from early to moderate or advanced stages of dementia they require more support from family members and friends to complete their daily activities. Family and friend caregivers, however, often report a lack of preparation for their caregiving role. There are few psychosocial programs that can be delivered by caregivers of community-dwelling older persons with moderate to advanced dementia. Namaste Care is a psychosocial intervention, predominantly used in long-term care, to improve the quality of life of persons with advanced dementia. Namaste Care provides multisensory stimulation for persons with dementia through meaningful activities such as music, massage, aromatherapy, and nutrition. There have been limited attempts at adapting Namaste Care for use by caregivers in the community.There is a need to involve caregivers in adapting programs and understanding their experiences in research involvement so that strategies can be put in place for a positive experience. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of caregivers who participated in workshop sessions to adapt Namaste Care for community-dwelling older persons with moderate to advanced dementia. METHODS A qualitative descriptive design was used. Six caregivers residing in Ontario, Canada attended virtual workshop sessions (i.e., by phone or videoconference) that were guided by the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) Patient Engagement Framework. Caregivers completed individual post-workshop interviews. Experiential thematic analysis was used to analyze interviews and post-interview researcher notes. RESULTS Key findings were that caregivers had a positive experience in adapting Namaste Care by learning how to improve their caregiving skills and being supported to engage in research through multiple facilitators such as flexible scheduling and an inclusive and respectful environment. Having designated time for discussions between caregivers was perceived as important to forming partnerships within the group to support co-creation of knowledge. CONCLUSION Findings support the need to improve caregiver research engagement processes by ensuring that caregivers can benefit through learning opportunities and discussions and empowering caregivers to value their contributions in adapting interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Lee Yous
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Jenny Ploeg
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Sharon Kaasalainen
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Carrie McAiney
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada
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Saposnik G, Ismail Z, Rivard AM, Knifton D, Bromfield G, Terzaghi M, Montoya A, Menard MC. Decision making under uncertainty in the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's Disease in primary care: A study protocol applying concepts from neuroeconomics. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:997277. [PMID: 36330061 PMCID: PMC9623110 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.997277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The current management of patients with Dementia, primarily with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is rapidly evolving. However, limited information is available about the current gaps and decision-making in primary care. Objectives To evaluate factors associated with gaps, risk preferences regarding diagnostic and therapeutic choices in the management of patients with AD by primary care physicians (PCP) from across Canada. Methods We propose a non-interventional, cross-sectional pilot study involving 120 primary care physicians referred from the College of Family Physicians of Canada to assess diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in the management of ten simulated AD-related case-scenarios commonly encountered in clinical practice. We initially describe the current landscape and gaps regarding diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in the management of patients with AD in primary care. Then, we provide concepts from behavioral economics and neuroeconomics applied to medical decision-making. Specifically, we include standardized tests to measure risk aversion, physicians' reactions to uncertainty, and questions related to risk preferences in different domains. Finally, we summarize the protocol to be implemented to address our goals. The primary study outcome is the proportion of participants that elect to defer initial investigations to the specialist and the associated factors. Secondary outcomes include the proportion of PCP willing to order cerebral spinal fluid studies, PET scans, or initiate treatment according to the simulated case-scenarios. The study will be conducted in English and French. Conclusions The study findings will contribute a better understanding of relevant factors associated with diagnostic and therapeutic decisions of PCP in the management of AD, identifying participant's preferences and evaluating the role of behavioral aspects such tolerance to uncertainty, aversion to ambiguity, and therapeutic inertia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Saposnik
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Decision Neuroscience Unit, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- NeuroeconSolutions, Neuroeconsolutions.com, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zahinoor Ismail
- Departments of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Rivard
- Policy and Healthcare Ecosystem, Hoffmann-La Roche, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Debbie Knifton
- Policy and Healthcare Ecosystem, Hoffmann-La Roche, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Gillian Bromfield
- Policy and Healthcare Ecosystem, Hoffmann-La Roche, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Maria Terzaghi
- Decision Neuroscience Unit, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- NeuroeconSolutions, Neuroeconsolutions.com, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alonso Montoya
- Medical Affairs Neuroscience, Hoffmann-La Roche, Mississauga, ON, Canada
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Freeman S, Pelletier C, Ward K, Bechard L, Regan K, Somani S, Middleton LE. Factors influencing participation in physical activity for persons living with dementia in rural and northern communities in Canada: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060860. [PMID: 35710242 PMCID: PMC9207915 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-060860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In recognition that engagement in physical activities for persons living with dementia can be challenging in rural and northern communities, the objective of this study was to explore the factors influencing physical activity participation among persons living with dementia in rural/northern communities and to identify the locally-driven mitigation strategies participants used to address barriers to physical activity. SETTING Interviews and focus groups were conducted in two locations in northern British Columbia, Canada including a rural community (<10 000 persons) and a medium-sized geographically isolated city (<80 000 persons). Both communities are located at substantial distances (>700 km) from larger urban centres. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-nine individuals participated including healthcare providers (n=8), community exercise professionals (n=12), persons living with dementia (n=4) and care partners (n=5). RESULTS Rural and northern contextual factors including aspects of the built and natural environment were the main drivers of physical activity for persons living with dementia. Limited capacity in the health system to support physical activity due to a lack of referrals, poor communication mechanisms and limited resources for programming created challenges for physical activity participation. At the community level, local champions filled gaps in physical activity programming by leveraging informal networks to organise opportunities. Programme-level factors included a lack of consistency in staff, and challenges defining programme scope given limited population size and the fear of stigma for persons living with dementia. CONCLUSIONS Environmental context and limited access to specialised programming affect the opportunities for persons living with dementia to engage in physical activities. Rural and northern communities showed resiliency in providing physical activity opportunities yet remained fragile due to human resource challenges. Without reliable resources and sustained support from the health system, local champions remain vulnerable to burnout. Enhancing support for local champions may provide greater stability and support to physical activity promotion in rural and northern communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Freeman
- School of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Chelsea Pelletier
- School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kirsten Ward
- School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lauren Bechard
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kayla Regan
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Salima Somani
- School of Nursing, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Laura Elizabeth Middleton
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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