Conditions, components and outcomes of Integrative Validation Therapy in a long-term care facility for people with dementia. A qualitative evaluation study.
In this study, the practical application of Integrative Validation Therapy (IVA) in a nursing home for people with dementia was investigated and evaluated from the perspectives of professionals and relatives by using Fourth Generation Evaluation. IVA, a complex intervention frequently applied in Germany's long-term care settings, is a modification of Feil's Validation Therapy and contains a specific attitude and several components of action. The findings demonstrate that professionals as well as relatives of nursing home residents gave the intervention a positive rating. From the perspective of the participating professionals, the application of IVA results in less agitated residents which also has an influence on the consumption of benzodiazepine and neuroleptics. The authors conclude that IVA is a beneficial nursing intervention helping to facilitate the illness-related transition process of people with dementia. IVA is able to support them to cope with emotional distress during transition (e.g. irritability, anxiety, depression, changes in self-esteem). Another conclusion is that IVA supports person-centred care because, with IVA, professionals react to typical needs people with dementia have: comfort, inclusion, attachment and identity (Kitwood, 2012).
Witten/Herdecke University, Germany; HFH-Hamburger Fern-Hochschule - University of Applied Science, Germany anke.erdmann@hamburger-fh.de.
Anke
A
Erdmann
Witten/Herdecke University, Germany.
Wilfried
W
Schnepp
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004644:Emotions; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Fourth Generation Evaluation; dementia; embodied selfhood; transition theory; validation therapy