Abstract

BACKGROUND
In Australia 60-80% of all residents in aged care facilities have a cognitive impairment related to dementia with this figure predicted to increase. The associated behavioural and psychological disorders associated with dementia frequently result in the prescription of antipsychotic drugs to assist in limiting disruptive or concerning unmet needs behaviour. Antipsychotic prescription rates in aged care facilities are estimated to be as high as 80% despite the well known adverse effects in this population. Person centred care approaches to management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) has not been widely implemented despite its reported effectiveness. Other interventions aimed at reducing antipsychotic use in aged care has been limited and the barriers to the use of non pharmacological strategies are poorly researched.
METHODOLOGY
In this study a 43 point questionnaire was distributed to 6 rural aged care facilities to assess nurses' knowledge of non pharmacological and pharmacological interventions, and the frequency, perceived barriers and efficacy of both strategies. Resources and information bases utilised in behaviour management was also explored.
FINDINGS
The results indicated that staff have a good knowledge of possible underlying causes of BPSD, but a poor understanding of appropriate methods of management and resources available to assist them. Time constraints were frequently cited by respondents as problematic in managing behavioural problems. The results of this study suggest the need for utilisation of tools to assist nurses to identify target behaviours, implementation of appropriate management and access to the resources available.

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Authors

Ervin K, Finlayson S, Cross M

Institution

Rural Health Academic Centre, University of Melbourne, Australia. ervink@humehealth.org.au

Source

Collegian (Royal College of Nursing, Australia) 19:2 2012 pg 85-95

MeSH

Adult
Aged
Antipsychotic Agents
Behavior Control
Behavioral Symptoms
Dementia
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Homes for the Aged
Humans
Inappropriate Prescribing
Male
Nursing Homes
Rural Health Services
Victoria

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Multicenter Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22774350