Assessing BPSD with the support of the NPI-NH: a discourse analysis of clinical reasoning

To Turn or Not to Turn: Exploring Nurses' Decision-Making Processes Concerning Regular Turning of Nursing Home Residents

Background: Nursing home (NH) residents are at high-risk for pressure injuries (PrIs), and those living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) are at even greater risk. Understanding how nursing staff approach repositioning remains critical. Methods: As part of an ongoing clinical trial, this mixed-method prospective, exploratory, descriptive study examined repositioning efforts for PrI prevention. An investigator-developed checklist guided researcher observations, and focus groups revealed staff perspective on resident behaviors and corresponding repositioning approaches. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative coding method. Results: Repositioning observations were conducted for 88 residents. Resident behaviors and nursing approaches were similar between the ADRD (n = 62, 70%) and non-ADRD (n = 26, 30%) groups. Thirty-six staff participated in one of six focus group sessions. A conceptual model was developed to depict the repositioning process. Staff revealed care is guided by clinical frameworks and guidelines, along with resident preferences and behaviors. Conclusions: Protocol-driven, standardized PrI prevention care may limit the capacity to honor repositioning preferences. Insights from the focus groups highlight the importance of being cognizant of competing factors that may interfere with successful repositioning. Approaches by staff may be protocol-driven or an integrated method of care.

Development of a self-assessment behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia competency scale for care teams at long-term geriatric care facilities

Understanding the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is important for caregivers in long-term geriatric care facilities. In this study performed in 43 long-term care facilities, we evaluated the ability of caregivers to recognize BPSD through the development and validation of self-assessment scales. Reliability and validity of the scales were determined using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, the test/retest method, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, criteria-related validity, and construct validity. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 310 participants. Factor analysis showed a positive correlation for all scale items (r_s = .43-.73). Significant correlations arose from the test/retest method (r_s = .48-.76). The α coefficient of all items except one was .70 or more, indicating sufficient reliability. Criteria-related validity (r_s = .43-.73) and construct validity (r_s = .13-.52) revealed a positive correlation. The BPSD Team Care Self-Assessment Scale is reliable and could ensure BPSD competency in caregivers.

Psychometric properties of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory for adults with intellectual disability

BACKGROUND

Problem behaviours are common among people with intellectual disabilities (ID), but psychometrically evaluated instruments for assessing such behaviours are scarce. The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Intellectual Disability (NPI-ID).

METHOD

We assessed 108 residents with intellectual disabilities living in group-homes using the NPI-ID, which included the 12 symptoms of the original NPI-Nursing Home and two supplementary symptoms: self-injurious behaviour and impulsive risk-taking behaviour.

RESULTS

The NPI-ID showed adequate internal consistency (α = 0.76) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.88). Exploratory factor analysis revealed five factors accounting for 64.1% of the variance. Cluster analysis revealed that residents were clustered in three groups with distinctly different symptom profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

The psychometric properties were satisfactory, supporting the use of the NPI-ID as a screening tool for people with intellectual disabilities. Additional research is needed to further evaluate the utility of the NPI-ID among people with intellectual disabilities.