title: Evaluation of dementia training for staff in acute hospital settings.
abstract: The development, pilot and evaluation of a brief psychosocial training intervention (BPTI) for staff working with people with dementia in an acute hospital setting are described. The project had two phases. Phase one involved adapting an existing competency framework and developing the BPTI using focus groups. For the pilot and evaluation, in phase two, a mixed methods approach was adopted using self-administered standardised questionnaires and qualitative interviews. Qualitative analysis suggested that delivering skills-based training can develop communication, problem-solving and self-directed learning skills; benefit staff in terms of increased knowledge, skills and confidence; and be problematic in the clinical area in terms of time, organisation and the physical environment. These factors must be taken into consideration when delivering training. These changes were not reflected in the quantitative results and measures were not always sensitive to changes in this setting. Definitive conclusions cannot be drawn about the efficacy of the intervention, due to the contradictory outcomes between the quantitative and qualitative data. Further developments and research are required to explore how staff and organisations can be supported to deliver the best possible care.
authors.affiliation: Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT).
authors.forename: Analisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Smythe
authors.forename: Catharine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jenkins
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harries
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Atkins
authors.forename: Juliet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wheeler
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dee
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bentham
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Oyebode
mesh_terms: D003704:Dementia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013663:Teaching; D006113:United Kingdom