title: Sensory stimulation - a way of creating mutual relations in dementia care.
abstract: The overall aim of this 2-year Norwegian action research study was to improve the interaction between care workers and patients with dementia in a nursing home by means of sensory stimulation. Furthermore, the aim was to investigate how the staff experienced the interaction with patients suffering from behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia before, under, and after introduction of sensory stimulation methods in clinical practice. An intervention program consisting of lectures and practical guiding in sensory stimulation was implemented. The care workers participated in group meetings to reflect on the progress. Focus group interviews and participant observations were conducted initially to map exciting practice, and at the end to evaluate potential changes in attitude and skills. Observation notes and interview transcripts were analyzed by means of thematic analysis which revealed a gradual emergence of person-centered care. A phenomenological life-world perspective may serve as a theoretical basis to deepen the understanding of the use of sensory stimulation.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Social Care, Molde University College, Molde, Norway; else.lykkeslet@himolde.no.
authors.forename: Else
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lykkeslet
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Social Care, Molde University College, Molde, Norway; Department of Global Health and Primary Care, Bergen University, Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gjengedal
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health and Social Care, Molde University College, Molde, Norway.
authors.forename: Torill
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Skrondal
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Mental Health, Moere and Romsdal Health Thrust, Molde, Norway.
authors.forename: May-Britt
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Storjord
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D009664:Norway; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000379:methods*; D010812:Physical Stimulation
keywords: Action research; communication; dementia; nursing homes; sensory stimulation