title: Feasibility of a web-based dementia feeding skills training program for nursing home staff.
abstract: Nursing home (NH) staff do not receive adequate training for providing feeding assistance to residents with dementia who exhibit aversive feeding behaviors (e.g., clamping mouth shut). The result is often low meal intake for these residents. This feasibility study tested a web-based dementia feeding skills program for staff in two United States NHs. Randomly assigned, the intervention staff received web-based dementia feeding skills training with coaching. Both groups participated in web-based pre-/post-tests assessing staff knowledge and self-efficacy; and meal observations measured NH staff and resident feeding behaviors, time for meal assistance, and meal intake. Aversive feeding behaviors increased in both groups of residents; however, the intervention NH staff increased the amount of time spent providing assistance and meal intake doubled. In the control group, less time was spent providing assistance and meal intake decreased. This study suggests that training staff to use current clinical practice guidelines improves meal intake.
authors.affiliation: Hartford National Centers for Gerontological Nursing Excellence, USA; Duke University School of Nursing, DUMC 3322, 307 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Electronic address: melissa.batchelor-murphy@duke.edu.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Batchelor-Murphy
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, 99 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
authors.forename: Elaine J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Amella
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, 99 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zapka
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, 99 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mueller
authors.affiliation: College of Medicine, Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, USA; Arkansas John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence, USA.
authors.forename: Cornelia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Beck
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003704:Dementia; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education*; D013663:Teaching
keywords: Dementia; Eating difficulties; Feeding skills training; Mealtime difficulties; Nursing home care