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The biopsychosocial (BPS) model of dementia as a tool for clinical practice. A pilot study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 January 2016

Catherine Revolta ,
Martin Orrell  and
Aimee Spector
Catherine Revolta
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
Martin Orrell
Affiliation:
Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
Aimee Spector*
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Aimee Spector, Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. Phone: 0207 679 1897. Email address: [email protected].
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Abstract

Background:

Equipping staff with the skills to provide high quality care in dementia is essential. The Biopsychosocial (BPS) model of dementia (Spector and Orrell, 2010) is a practical tool designed to encourage staff to develop personalized interventions and treatment plans for people with dementia. This feasibility study aimed to examine the impact of training staff to use the BPS model on skills of formulation, attitude towards dementia and sense of role competence.

Method:

A within-subjects design was used. Thirty-seven staff working in dementia care across a community mental health team (CMHT), inpatient wards, and residential care homes were trained to use the BPS model. Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-training, and four week follow-up.

Results:

The ability of staff to understand, formulate, and develop interventions for people with dementia increased significantly following training. There were small, non-significant improvements in positive attitudes, and sense of competence following training. Staff also reported that training improved their understanding of biological and psychosocial factors in dementia.

Conclusions:

This study provides preliminary evidence that training staff to use the BPS model can lead to improvements in their ability to understand and develop interventions for people with dementia. Further research would be required to draw firm conclusions about its effectiveness.

Keywords

dementiamodeltrainingbiopsychosocialcarepractice
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 28 , Issue 7 , July 2016 , pp. 1079 - 1089
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2016 

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