How do care homes manage challenging behaviours in practice?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
How do two care homes in Kent manage challenging behaviours in dementia, in practice?
IRAS ID
155108
Contact name
Charlotte Mallon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Research summary
How do two care homes in Kent manage challenging behaviours in dementia, in practice?
Challenging behaviour is complex, and multifactorial; there is no single solution for its management. Historically,
challenging behaviour has been managed by the prescription of antipsychotic drugs, however while behavioural and
psychological symptoms of dementia are a recognised, justifiable target for intervention in order to reduce agitation
and harm to patients and carers, the overuse of antipsychotic medication as a first line treatment for BPSD holds
considerable risk. Whilst a more general approach to nonpharmacological
treatment has been evaluated, with regard
to its effect on challenging behaviour, it is generally acknowledged that such treatment must be tailored to the
individual; however, in practice this is not adhered to.
This study aims to explore how care homes with and without nursing manage challenging behaviours in dementia, in
practice.
Two care homes likely to demonstrate relevant salient features and events or categories of behaviour have deliberately
been selected as the basis for this Phase Two research study to allow the contrast and comparison of care homes
with and without nursing. The researcher will work as a care worker, observing and noting incidents of challenging
behaviour (antecedants, behaviours and consequences), and documenting medical and personal history records of
consenting residents from one unit of each care home. Audiorecorded
focus group discussions will also be held with
relatives and/or friends of residents of the unit.
Once data saturation has occurred, the study will move forward to the second care home. Providing emergent themes
are deemed to be sufficiently strong, by both the researcher and Supervisor, continuation with Care Home Two will
commence after a two to four week period, to ensure a phase of separation between care homes.REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
14/IEC08/0020
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jun 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion