1
|
Dichter MN, Dörner J, Wilfling D, Berg A, Klatt T, Möhler R, Haastert B, Meyer G, Halek M, Köpke S. Intervention for sleep problems in nursing home residents with dementia: a cluster-randomized study. Int Psychogeriatr 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38186227 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610223004489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To reduce sleep problems in people living with dementia using a multi-component intervention. DESIGN Cluster-randomized controlled study with two parallel groups and a follow-up of 16 weeks. SETTING Using external concealed randomization, 24 nursing homes (NH) were allocated either to the intervention group (IG, 12 clusters, 126 participants) or the control group (12 clusters, 116 participants). PARTICIPANTS Participants were eligible if they had dementia or severe cognitive impairment, at least two sleep problems, and residence of at least two weeks in a NH. INTERVENTION The 16-week intervention consists of six components: (1) assessment of sleep-promoting activities and environmental factors in NHs, (2) implementation of two "sleep nurses," (3) basic education, (4) advanced education for staff, (5) workshops to develop sleep-promoting concepts, and (6) written information and education materials. The control group (CG) received standard care. MEASUREMENTS Primary outcome was ≥ two sleep problems after 16 weeks assessed with the Sleep Disorders Inventory (SDI). RESULTS Twenty-two clusters (IG = 10, CG = 12) with 191 participants completed the study. At baseline, 90% of people living with dementia in the IG and 93% in the CG had at least two sleep problems. After 16 weeks, rates were 59.3% (IG) vs 83.8% (CG), respectively, a difference of -24.5% (95% CI, -46.3% - -2.7%; cluster-adjusted odds ratio 0.281; 95% CI 0.087-0.909). Secondary outcomes showed a significant difference only for SDI scores after eight and 16 weeks. CONCLUSIONS The MoNoPol-Sleep intervention reduced sleep problems of people living with dementia in NH compared to standard care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Nikolaus Dichter
- Institute of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jonas Dörner
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Witten, Germany
- School of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Denise Wilfling
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Nursing Research Group, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Almuth Berg
- Institute of Health and Nursing Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Medical Faculty, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Klatt
- Institute of Health and Nursing Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Medical Faculty, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralph Möhler
- Institute for Health Services Research and Health Economics, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Gabriele Meyer
- Institute of Health and Nursing Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Medical Faculty, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Margareta Halek
- School of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Sascha Köpke
- Institute of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cho E, Kim S, Heo SJ, Shin J, Hwang S, Kwon E, Lee S, Kim S, Kang B. Machine learning-based predictive models for the occurrence of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: model development and validation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8073. [PMID: 37202454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35194-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are challenging aspects of dementia care. This study used machine learning models to predict the occurrence of BPSD among community-dwelling older adults with dementia. We included 187 older adults with dementia for model training and 35 older adults with dementia for external validation. Demographic and health data and premorbid personality traits were examined at the baseline, and actigraphy was utilized to monitor sleep and activity levels. A symptom diary tracked caregiver-perceived symptom triggers and the daily occurrence of 12 BPSD classified into seven subsyndromes. Several prediction models were also employed, including logistic regression, random forest, gradient boosting machine, and support vector machine. The random forest models revealed the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values for hyperactivity, euphoria/elation, and appetite and eating disorders; the gradient boosting machine models for psychotic and affective symptoms; and the support vector machine model showed the highest AUC. The gradient boosting machine model achieved the best performance in terms of average AUC scores across the seven subsyndromes. Caregiver-perceived triggers demonstrated higher feature importance values across the seven subsyndromes than other features. Our findings demonstrate the possibility of predicting BPSD using a machine learning approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Cho
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Nursing, 50-1, Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujin Kim
- Department of Nursing, Yong-In Arts and Science University, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Seok-Jae Heo
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinhee Shin
- College of Nursing, Woosuk University, Jeollabuk-do, Korea
| | - Sinwoo Hwang
- Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Eunji Kwon
- Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy, Daejeon, Korea
| | | | | | - Bada Kang
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Nursing, 50-1, Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Webster L, Costafreda SG, Powell K, Livingston G. How do care home staff use non-pharmacological strategies to manage sleep disturbances in residents with dementia: The SIESTA qualitative study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272814. [PMID: 35944055 PMCID: PMC9362920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sleep disturbances affect 38% of care home residents living with dementia. They are often treated with medication, but non-pharmacological interventions may be safer and effective yet more difficult to implement. In the SIESTA study (Sleep problems In dEmentia: interviews with care home STAff) we explored care home staffs’ experience of managing sleep disturbances in their residents living with dementia. Methods We conducted one-to-one semi-structured interviews in four UK care homes, and purposively recruited a maximum variation sample of 18 nurses and care assistants, who were each interviewed once. We used a topic guide and audio-recorded the interviews. Two researchers independently analysed themes from transcribed interviews. Results Staff used a range of techniques that often worked in improving or preventing residents’ sleep disturbance. During the daytime, staff encouraged residents to eat well, and be physically active and stimulated to limit daytime sleep. In the evening, staff settled residents into dark, quiet, comfortable bedrooms often after a snack. When residents woke at night, they gave them caffeinated tea or food, considered possible pain and discomfort, and reassured residents they were safe. If residents remained unsettled, staff would engage them in activities. They used telecare to monitor night-time risk. Staff found minimising daytime napping difficult, described insufficient staffing at night to attend to reorient and guide awake residents and said residents frequently did not know it was night-time. Conclusions Some common techniques, such as caffeinated drinks, may be counterproductive. Future non-pharmacological interventions should consider practical difficulties staff face in managing sleep disturbances, including struggling to limit daytime napping, identifying residents’ night-time needs, day-night disorientation, and insufficient night-time staffing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Webster
- Division of Psychiatry, UCL, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Health Services Studies, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Sergi G. Costafreda
- Division of Psychiatry, UCL, London, United Kingdom
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gill Livingston
- Division of Psychiatry, UCL, London, United Kingdom
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Webster LA, Costafreda SG, Barber JA, Kyle SD, Livingston G. Care home residents with dementia: Prevalence, incidence, and associations with sleep disturbance in an English cohort study. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2022; 8:e12251. [PMID: 35128034 PMCID: PMC8804598 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People living with dementia in care homes often have sleep disturbances, but little is known about incidence and importance. METHODS We interviewed 1483 participants in 97 care homes and report prevalence, 1-year incidence, and baseline associations of clinically significant sleep disturbance in people with dementia. RESULTS Baseline prevalence of clinically significant sleep disturbance was 13.7% (200/1460); 31.3% (457/1462) had them at least once over 16 months. One-year incidence was 25.2%. At baseline, residents with sleep disturbance had lower quality of life (mean difference -4.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] -6.53 to -3.16) and were more frequently prescribed sleep medications (odds ratio 1.75; CI 1.17 to 2.61) than other residents. DISCUSSION Approximately one-third of care home residents with dementia have or develop sleep disturbances over 1 year. These are associated with lower quality of life and prescription of sedatives, which may have negative outcomes; therefore, it is important to develop effective treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sergi G. Costafreda
- Division of PsychiatryUCLLondonUK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | | | - Simon D. Kyle
- Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience InstituteUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Gill Livingston
- Division of PsychiatryUCLLondonUK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cho E, Kim S, Hwang S, Kwon E, Heo SJ, Lee JH, Ye BS, Kang B. Factors Associated With Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: Prospective Observational Study Using Actigraphy. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e29001. [PMID: 34714244 PMCID: PMC8590188 DOI: 10.2196/29001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although disclosing the predictors of different behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is the first step in developing person-centered interventions, current understanding is limited, as it considers BPSD as a homogenous construct. This fails to account for their heterogeneity and hinders development of interventions that address the underlying causes of the target BPSD subsyndromes. Moreover, understanding the influence of proximal factors-circadian rhythm-related factors (ie, sleep and activity levels) and physical and psychosocial unmet needs states-on BPSD subsyndromes is limited, due to the challenges of obtaining objective and/or continuous time-varying measures. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with BPSD subsyndromes among community-dwelling older adults with dementia, considering sets of background and proximal factors (ie, actigraphy-measured sleep and physical activity levels and diary-based caregiver-perceived symptom triggers), guided by the need-driven dementia-compromised behavior model. METHODS A prospective observational study design was employed. Study participants included 145 older adults with dementia living at home. The mean age at baseline was 81.2 (SD 6.01) years and the sample consisted of 86 (59.3%) women. BPSD were measured with a BPSD diary kept by caregivers and were categorized into seven subsyndromes. Independent variables consisted of background characteristics and proximal factors (ie, sleep and physical activity levels measured using actigraphy and caregiver-reported contributing factors assessed using a BPSD diary). Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were used to examine the factors that predicted the occurrence of BPSD subsyndromes. We compared the models based on the Akaike information criterion, the Bayesian information criterion, and likelihood ratio testing. RESULTS Compared to the GLMMs with only background factors, the addition of actigraphy and diary-based data improved model fit for every BPSD subsyndrome. The number of hours of nighttime sleep was a predictor of the next day's sleep and nighttime behaviors (odds ratio [OR] 0.9, 95% CI 0.8-1.0; P=.005), and the amount of energy expenditure was a predictor for euphoria or elation (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.0-0.5; P=.02). All subsyndromes, except for euphoria or elation, were significantly associated with hunger or thirst and urination or bowel movements, and all BPSD subsyndromes showed an association with environmental change. Age, marital status, premorbid personality, and taking sedatives were predictors of specific BPSD subsyndromes. CONCLUSIONS BPSD are clinically heterogeneous, and their occurrence can be predicted by different contributing factors. Our results for various BPSD suggest a critical window for timely intervention and care planning. Findings from this study will help devise symptom-targeted and individualized interventions to prevent and manage BPSD and facilitate personalized dementia care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Cho
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sujin Kim
- College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sinwoo Hwang
- Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Kwon
- Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Jae Heo
- Department of Biostatistics and Computing, Yonsei University Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hong Lee
- National Health Insurance Service, Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Seok Ye
- College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bada Kang
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hjetland GJ, Kolberg E, Pallesen S, Thun E, Nordhus IH, Bjorvatn B, Flo-Groeneboom E. Ambient bright light treatment improved proxy-rated sleep but not sleep measured by actigraphy in nursing home patients with dementia: a placebo-controlled randomised trial. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:312. [PMID: 34001024 PMCID: PMC8127192 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02236-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 70% of nursing home patients with dementia suffer from sleep problems. Light is the main zeitgeber to the circadian system and thus has a fundamental impact on sleep-wake behaviour. Low indoor light levels in nursing homes have been reported, and in combination with age-related reductions in light sensitivity, insufficient light exposure is likely to contribute to sleep problems in this population. Increasing daytime light exposure using bright light treatment (BLT) may represent a feasible non-pharmacological treatment for sleep problems in nursing home patients with dementia. METHODS The present study reports on sleep outcomes, which are the primary outcomes of the DEM.LIGHT trial (Therapy Light Rooms for Nursing Home Patients with Dementia- Designing Diurnal Conditions for Improved Sleep, Mood and Behavioural Problems), a 24-week cluster-randomised placebo-controlled trial including 8 nursing home units and 69 resident patients. The intervention comprised ambient light of 1000 lx and 6000 K from 10:00 to 15:00, with gradually increasing and decreasing light levels prior to and following this interval, using ceiling mounted light-fixtures and light emitting diode technology. The placebo condition had continuous standard light levels (150-300 lx, ~ 3000 K). Sleep was assessed at baseline and follow-up at week 8, 16, and 24, using the proxy-rated Sleep Disorder Inventory (SDI) and actigraphy (Actiwatch II, Philips Respironics). Mixed linear models were used to evaluate intervention effects, adjusting for relevant covariates such as age, gender, number of drugs, severity of dementia, eye disease, and estimated light exposure. RESULTS Sleep as measured by the SDI was significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group from baseline to week 16 (B = - 0.06, 95% CI -0.11 - -0.01, p < .05) and from baseline to week 24 (B = - 0.05, 95% CI -0.10 - -0.01, p < .05). There was no effect according to the SDI at week 8 and no significant effects in terms of actigraphically measured sleep. CONCLUSIONS Proxy-rated sleep improved among nursing home patients with dementia following 16 and 24 weeks of BLT. These improvements were not corroborated by actigraphy recordings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03357328 . Registered 29 November 2017 - Retrospectively registered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gunnhild J Hjetland
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- City Department of Health and Care, City of Bergen, Norway.
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Eirin Kolberg
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ståle Pallesen
- Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eirunn Thun
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Inger Hilde Nordhus
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørn Bjorvatn
- Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Blytt KM, Flo-Groeneboom E, Erdal A, Bjorvatn B, Husebo BS. Sleep and its Association With Pain and Depression in Nursing Home Patients With Advanced Dementia - a Cross-Sectional Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:633959. [PMID: 33959072 PMCID: PMC8093870 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.633959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Previous research suggests a positive association between pain, depression and sleep. In this study, we investigate how sleep correlates with varying levels of pain and depression in nursing home (NH) patients with dementia. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study (n = 141) with sleep-related data, derived from two multicenter studies conducted in Norway. We included NH patients with dementia according to the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE ≤ 20) from the COSMOS trial (n = 46) and the DEP.PAIN.DEM trial (n = 95) whose sleep was objectively measured with actigraphy. In the COSMOS trial, NH patients were included if they were ≥65 years of age and with life expectancy >6 months. In the DEP.PAIN.DEM trial, patients were included if they were ≥60 years and if they had depression according to the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD ≥ 8). In both studies, pain was assessed with the Mobilization-Observation-Behavior-Intensity-Dementia-2 Pain Scale (MOBID-2), and depression with CSDD. Sleep parameters were total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency (SE), sleep onset latency (SOL), wake after sleep onset (WASO), early morning awakening (EMA), daytime total sleep time (DTS) and time in bed (TiB). We registered use of sedatives, analgesics, opioids and antidepressants from patient health records and adjusted for these medications in the analyses. Results: Mean age was 86.2 years and 76.3% were female. Hierarchical regressions showed that pain was associated with higher TST and SE (p < 0.05), less WASO (p < 0.01) and more DTS (p < 0.01). More severe dementia was associated with more WASO (p < 0.05) and TiB (p < 0.01). More severe depression was associated with less TST (p < 0.05), less DTS (p < 0.01) and less TiB (p < 0.01). Use of sedative medications was associated with less TiB (p < 0.05). Conclusion: When sleep was measured with actigraphy, NH patients with dementia and pain slept more than patients without pain, in terms of higher total sleep time. Furthermore, their sleep efficiency was higher, indicating that the patients had more sleep within the time they spent in bed. Patients with more severe dementia spent more time awake during the time spent in bed. Furthermore, people with more severe depression slept less at daytime and had less total sleep time Controlling for concomitant medication use did not affect the obtained results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kjersti Marie Blytt
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Ane Erdal
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway.,Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørn Bjorvatn
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bettina S Husebo
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Municipality of Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Webster L, Martin A, Livingston G. The minimum clinically important difference on the sleep disorders inventory for people with dementia. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2020; 35:1418-1423. [PMID: 32725642 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sleep disturbances in dementia causes distress to people with dementia and their family carers and are associated with care home admission. The Sleep Disorders Inventory (SDI) is a validated questionnaire of sleep disturbances in dementia often used to measure treatment effectiveness, but the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) is unknown. METHODS We triangulated three investigative methods to determine the MCID of the SDI. Using data on SDI from a randomised controlled trial (RCT) with 62 participants in an intervention for sleep disorders in dementia, we (1) calculated distribution-based values where MCID = 0.33 of a SD (SD) (2) an anchor based approach using quality of life (measured using DEMQOL-Proxy) as an anchor. We also employed a Delphi consensus process asking 12 clinicians, sleep researchers and family carers to rate which changes on vignettes were equivalent to a MCID. RESULTS We found that 0.33 SD in the SDI = 4.86. Reduction in SDI total score was not significantly correlated with improvement in DEMQOL-Proxy (Pearson's correlation = -0.01; P = 0.96) score. The Delphi consensus required two rounds to reach a consensus and concluded that changes equivalent to three points on the SDI equated to the MCID. CONCLUSIONS Taking into account both the distribution-based values and the Delphi process we used a whole number at the midpoint and judged the minimum clinically important difference MCID to be equal to four points. We note the clinicians and carers opinions from the Delphi process determined the MCID to be lower at three points.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Webster
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL, Maple House, London, UK
| | - Alice Martin
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL, Maple House, London, UK
| | - Gill Livingston
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL, Maple House, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|