Petra Boersma
Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands, Amsterdam
Title: Testing the implementation of the Veder contact method, a theatre-based communication method in dementia care
Biography
Biography: Petra Boersma
Abstract
Statement of the problem: People with dementia in nursing homes benefit from person-centred care methods. Studies examining the effect of these methods often fail to report about the implementation of these methods. A recently developed person-centered care method is the Veder contact method (VCM). With theatrical tools VCM stimulates the communication between caregivers and residents. Our study aims to describe and test the implementation of VCM in daily nursing home care.
Methodology and theoretical orientation: Caregivers (n=136) and residents (n=141) participated in a one-year quasi-experimental study. Foundation Theater Veder implemented VCM in six experimental wards and rated quality level of implementation. Six control wards delivered care-as-usual. Before and after implementation, caregivers’ behaviour was assessed during observations using the Veder-observation list and Quality of Caregivers’ Behaviour. Their attitude towards residents was rated with the Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire. Quality of life, behaviour and mood of the residents were measured with QUALIDEM, INTERACT and FACE. Their Care Plans were assessed on person-centered background information.
Findings: Significant improvements in caregivers’ communicative behaviour (i.e. the ability to apply VCM effectively and establishing positive interactions) and some aspects of the behaviour and quality of life (positive affect , social relations) of the residents were found in favour of the experimental wards with a high implementation score, as compared to the experimental wards with a low implementation score and the control wards. No significant differences between the groups were found in caregivers’ attitudes towards dementia, the residents’ Care Plans and mood.
Conclusion and significance: The positive changes in caregivers’ behaviour and wellbeing of the residents in the experimental wards with a high implementation score partly confirm the successfulness of the implementation of VCM. Distinguishing wards with a high and low implementation score provided insight in factors which are crucial for successful implementation.