Time Investment for Program Implementation to Manage Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: An Observational Longitudinal Study in In-Home and Residential Care Settings

[Effectiveness in reducing BPSD of care intervention using the Himotoki Sheet from the perspective of individuals with dementia]

AIM

This study aimed to examine the effect of intervention using the Himotoki Sheet versus conventional care on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in residents of care facilities.

METHODS

This non-randomized controlled trial included 37 institutionalized individuals with dementia. During the four-week intervention period, the care workers in the intervention group, which consisted of 17 participants, were asked to 1) select one BPSD item for intervention from the items of the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia Plus Questionnaire (BPSD+Q), 2) complete the Himotoki Sheet and share information about the BPSD focused on by the team led by the Himotoki Sheet manager, and 3) provide care according to the contents of the Himotoki Sheet. The 18 patients in the control group received conventional care for four weeks. A two-way analysis of variance was used to compare changes in scores between groups and the BPSD+Q.

RESULTS

A total of 32 participants (intervention group, n=16; control group, n=16) were analyzed. There were no significant differences in basic attributes between the groups. There was a significant interaction between the group and the BPSD+Q distress score (F=4.704, p=0.038) and Hyperactive domain distress score (F=4.946, p=0.034). The BPSD+Q (p=0.002) and Hyperactive domain (p=0.001) distress scores were significantly reduced in the intervention group but not the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison to conventional care, care using the Himotoki Sheet was associated with a significant reduction in the BPSD+Q and Hyperactive domain distress scores.