Introducing and evaluating complementary therapies in care homes (01)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An action research study to introduce and evaluate the contribution of Complementary Therapies to person-centred care for care home residents with dementia.
IRAS ID
164154
Contact name
Bryan Mitchell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of the West of Scotland
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 7 days
Research summary
In Scotland 86,000 people have dementia, approximately 20,000 reside within care homes and there is demonstrable need to advance practice. Care home residents with moderate and advanced dementia experience many challenges in their daily lives and are particularly vulnerable to stress and distress. Non pharmacological interventions are recommended along with person centred respectful approaches to care planning and delivery. Complementary therapies, such as reflexology and hand massage are thought to be of potential benefit for people with dementia. Existing evidence suggests that complementary therapies can assist people with dementia to feel more relaxed, alleviate agitation and have a positive impact on quality of life.
The study aims to use Action Research with mixed methods to introduce and evaluate the contribution of complementary therapies to person centred care of nursing homes residents with dementia. The collaborative methodology promotes partnership with care home staff and is inclusive, as far as possible, of individuals with dementia and their visiting family. Managers from the two study care homes have agreed to two action cycles lasting approximately 40 weeks. These cycles will include planning, acting and reflecting on emerging evidence. Preparatory Cycle 1 builds the evidence for the implementation cycle 2. 15 staff and family interviews will explore acceptability of interventions’, a partnership approach will be used to introduce taster sessions of selected therapies with 4-6 residents with dementia to develop person centred case studies. Interview and case study findings will be considered during focus groups with up to 6 staff and 6 family members participating. The outcome will be an implementation protocol to be piloted within the second study care home with up to 10 residents. Success of the protocol will be determined in terms of care planning, practice variables and uptake, and a combination of person centred outcomes and dementia symptomotology (NPI).REC name
Scotland A: Adults with Incapacity only
REC reference
15/SS/0051
Date of REC Opinion
16 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion