Changing Talk Online: Protocol for a cluster pragmatic trial testing communication education to reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in nursing home care.

ABSTRACT: Nursing home (NH) care of persons living with dementia is often made challenging by behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) such as aggression, vocal outbursts, wandering, and withdrawal that occur due to cognitive and communication changes. Staff frequently communicate to NH residents using "elderspeak" which is patronizing speech similar to baby talk. Residents respond to elderspeak with increased BPSD that prompts use of psychotropic medication to control symptoms. The Changing Talk (CHAT) training educates staff about effective, person-centered communication strategies and reduces elderspeak by staff and subsequent BPSD among residents. This study will test effects of an adapted online version (CHATO) increasing access and dissemination of education to busy staff acros

SUBMITTER: Williams KN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8556275 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature