The Utility and Feasibility of a Caregiver Tool for the Management of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia in Long-Term Care

Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia (NPS) are common and have significant negative impacts. Behavioral interventions are the first line for the management of NPS. The Baycrest Quick-Response Caregiver Tool (BQRCT) is a novel intervention that assists caregivers in managing NPS in real time. The current study examined the utility and feasibility of the tool for health care professionals in long-term care (LTC). Methods: Participants completed an online training module, and immediate pre/post and follow-up surveys after 4 weeks. Survey data included face-valid Likert questions for program impact, feasibility questions, and the Pearlin Caregiver Competence Scale. Results: Ninety-six participants completed the immediate pre post survey, and 52 completed the follow-up survey at 4 weeks posttraining. The BQRCT-LTC was found to be useful, easy to understand, and implement. The overwhelming majority of participants would recommend the tool to other LTC staff. At the 4-week follow-up, there was a significant improvement on the Pearlin Caregiver Competence Scale, increasing from a mean score of 13.92 (SD=2.21) at pre to a mean score of 14.56 (SD=1.73) at the 4-week follow-up, with a mean difference of 0.64 (SD=2.22, P =0.044). Conclusion: The BQRTC-LTC was found to be feasible and useful in the LTC setting. After 4 weeks, the tool increased caregiver competence in a group of experienced staff in LTC. Future studies may consider measuring the tools impact on the frequency and severity of NPS.