Effects of an educational peer-group intervention on knowledge about dementia among family caregivers with a Turkish or Moroccan immigrant background: A cluster randomised controlled trial

Confidence in dementia care and care approach toward dementia among the nursing staff in long-term care facilities in China: a cross-sectional survey

Background

Confidence and appropriate care approach toward dementia among nursing staff (nurses and care assistants) are crucial manifestations of competency to deal with the complexity of dementia care in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the confidence in dementia care and care approach among nursing staff in LTCFs in mainland China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was utilized in LTCFs in Shandong Province, mainland China. A convenient sample included of 317 nursing staff drawn from 15 LTCFs. Survey questions included (a) demographics, (b) dementia knowledge, (c) dementia care confidence, and (d) approach to care for people with dementia. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Factors associated with confidence and care approach for people with dementia were examined using Pearson's correlation and multivariate regression analyses.

Results

Dementia care confidence was generally moderate. Factors affecting confidence to care for people with dementia included educational level, months of caring dementia patients, and dementia knowledge. Most nursing staff did not use a person-centered care approach which was significantly associated with their age, dementia-learning experience, and knowledge and confidence toward caring for people with dementia.

Conclusion

A positive correlation was identified between confidence to care for people with dementia and nursing staff care approach. Clinical recommendations are provided to further develop education strategies tailored for nursing staff to meet the growing demand for dementia care services.

The effectiveness of educational interventions in the community that aim to improve informal carers knowledge of dementia anatomy, physiology, progression, and impact on behavior: a systematic review

Introduction

Dementia education is a vital component of dementia care and management for patients and their informal carers and family. To fully understand dementia, some knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the brain may be necessary and would help informal carers understand behaviors of dementia to help cope with care provision.

Method

This integrative review aims to identify, appraise, and assess whether dementia education resources include information detailing the anatomy of the brain and its relationship with dementia and whether this information improves knowledge (PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42022320530). Literature published from 2012 until May 4, 2022 was searched in eight databases with six articles meeting the inclusion criteria.

Results

Using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (2018) methodological quality varied across studies. There are limited educational interventions which incorporate information on the anatomy and the physiology of the brain. None of the interventions focused solely on providing neurological education; however, all contained at least some content that addressed this, as per inclusion criteria. In most cases, the educational interventions were well-received and delivered, which did not differ, whether they were delivered in person or virtually. The majority of the studies reported an increase in dementia knowledge (measured pre-post or perceived) following the intervention.

Discussion

Educational interventions on brain anatomy and physiology remain limited, and if included, are often not the focus, and as such more rigorous study is required to investigate the effect of educational interventions on dementia knowledge and their role in dementia care.

What is the volume, diversity and nature of recent, robust evidence for the use of peer support in health and social care? An evidence and gap map

Background

Peer support interventions involve people drawing on shared personal experience to help one another improve their physical or mental health, or reduce social isolation. If effective, they may also lessen the demand on health and social care services, reducing costs. However, the design and delivery of peer support varies greatly, from the targeted problem or need, the setting and mode of delivery, to the number and content of sessions. Robust evidence is essential for policymakers commissioning peer support and practitioners delivering services in health care and community settings. This map draws together evidence on different types of peer support to support the design and delivery of interventions.

Objectives

The aim of this map was to provide an overview of the volume, diversity and nature of recent, high quality evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the use of peer support in health and social care.

Search Methods

We searched MEDLINE, seven further bibliographic databases, and Epistemonikos for systematic reviews (in October 2020), randomised controlled trials (in March 2021) and economic evaluations (in May 2021) on the effectiveness of peer support interventions in health and social care. We also conducted searches of Google Scholar, two trial registers, PROSPERO, and completed citation chasing on included studies.

Selection Criteria

Systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials and economic evaluations were included in the map. Included studies focused on adult populations with a defined health or social care need, were conducted in high-income countries, and published since 2015. Any measure of effectiveness was included, as was any form of peer support providing the peer had shared experience with the participant and a formalised role.

Data Collection and Analysis

Data were extracted on the type of peer support intervention and outcomes assessed in included studies. Standardised tools were used to assess study quality for all studies: assessing the methodological quality of systematic reviews 2 for systematic reviews; Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised controlled trials; and consensus health economic criteria list for economic evaluations.

Main Results

We included 91 studies: 32 systematic reviews; 52 randomised controlled trials; and 7 economic evaluations. Whilst most included systematic reviews and economic evaluations were assessed to be of low or medium quality, the majority of randomised controlled trials were of higher quality. There were concentrations of evidence relating to different types of peer support, including education, psychological support, self-care/self-management and social support. Populations with long-term health conditions were most commonly studied. The majority of studies measured health-related indicators as outcomes; few studies assessed cost-effectiveness. Studies were unevenly distributed geographically, with most being conducted in the USA. Several gaps were evident regarding the delivery of peer support, particularly the integration of peers and professionals in delivering support and interventions of longer duration.

Authors' Conclusions

Although there is evidence available to inform the commissioning and delivery of peer support in health and social care, there are also clear gaps that need to be addressed to further support provision, particularly regarding cost-effectiveness. The effectiveness of peer support in different countries, with varying health and social care systems, is a priority for future research, as is the integration of peers with professionals in delivering peer support.

The Turkish version of the SPPIC validated among informal caregivers with a Turkish immigrant background

Background

This study assesses the internal consistency and known group validity of the Turkish version of the SPPIC, a measurement instrument to assess the self perceived pressure from informal care in family caregivers of people with dementia that was originally in Dutch.

Methods

The feasibility, comprehensibility and appropriateness of the Turkish SPPIC were assessed during a pilot test. Internal consistency was examined based on data from 117 family caregivers with a Turkish immigrant background by calculating Cronbach’s alpha and by conducting a single-factor Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Known group validity was determined to obtain an understanding of the validity of the translated instrument, testing differences in the self-perceived pressure from informal care, depending on frequency of caregiving, living with a person with dementia and level of education.

Results

The pilot test showed that the translated SPPIC was considered to be feasible, comprehensible and appropriate. The internal consistency appeared to be strong (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.94). The CFA indicated that the factor ‘Self-perceived Pressure from Informal Care’ explained varying levels of variance in the items of the SPPIC (ranging from .52 to .87). Family caregivers who provided care at least once a week and who shared a home with a person with dementia perceived a greater pressure from informal care (p = 0.007, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The Turkish translation of the SPPIC can be used in future research and practice to obtain insight into self-perceived pressure from informal care of family caregivers with Turkish immigrant backgrounds. At the same time it is recommended to conduct more research on how the measurement of self-perceived pressure from informal care in this group can be further improved.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02161-6.