{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Reducing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Acutely Ill Patients via Patient Engagement Specialists: A Pilot Feasibility Study.
{Author}: Sinvani L;Strunk A;Ardito S;Gordon S;Liu Y;Schantz E;Arroon A;Ilyas A;Gromova V;Polokowski A;Levin J;Makhnevich A;D'Angelo S;Boltz M;
{Journal}: Gerontol Geriatr Med
{Volume}: 9
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2023 Jan-Dec
暂无{DOI}: 10.1177/23337214231192162
{Abstract}: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are common in hospitalized persons living with dementia (PLWD). This pilot aimed to test the feasibility of an innovative model of care, PES-4-BPSD (a dementia unit staffed with Patient Engagement Specialists, PES). Non-randomized pilot feasibility trial was conducted, enrolling N = 158 patients to the intervention unit (n = 79, a 10-bed dementia unit, staffed with nursing assistants, NAs, with mental health backgrounds, PES) and an enhanced control unit (n = 79, 40-bed medicine unit, staffed with NAs). All NAs/PES (N = 63) received dementia training, with completion rate of 82.5%. Overall, patients had ~1 NPI-Q (Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire) assessment/48 hr. 97% (n = 153) of PLWD exhibited at least one behavior. Average NPI-Q scores did not differ across intervention (5.36) and control (3.87) units (p = .23). Patients on the intervention unit had 88% (p = .002) shorter duration of constant observation. A dementia care unit staffed by PES is an innovative model requiring further research.