FC15: The Baycrest Quick-Response Caregiver Tool TM for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: Background and mixed methods studies

Abstract

Goals and Objectives:

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Describe the Baycrest Quick-Response Caregiver Tool

2. 2. Describe the role for the Baycrest Quick Response Caregiver Tool in BPSD

3. 3. Describe the results of studies to date

Objective:

Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) are common and are associated with poor outcomes and caregiver burden. A variety of frameworks and tools exist to assess and understand the symptoms and to plan interventions. The Baycrest Quick-Response Caregiver Tool ^TM (BQRCT) is different than other tools as it assists the caregiver in real time as the BPSD are occurring. A mixed methods feasibility study in family caregivers found favorable results. Scaling up this tool for long term care (LTC) staff can potentially benefit residents living with dementia. The goal of this presentation is for participants to describe this novel tool, its evidence, and its place within the known tools and frameworks for BPSD.

Methods:

Participants will interactively learn about the BQRCT, how it is applied with caregivers, and how it works with other tools for BPSD. The training videos will be viewed and discussed. The evidence from a mixed methods study of this tool will be presented and compared to evidence for other tools. The methods and preliminary results (if available) for an ongoing study of the BQRCT in the LTC context with be presented.

Results:

A mixed methods study of family caregivers and health-care providers of persons with dementia and BPSD found that the BQRCT was helpful and participants reported high feasibility ratings. The group of health-care providers found the tool useful and most would recommend it to peers and clients. Participants also provided specific suggestions for improvement, such as including more examples of complex behaviours. The current study in LTC involves the creation of new videos of complex situations in LTC. Participants in LTC homes will complete the online training, and surveys pre/post and at 4 weeks post-intervention. A focus group of a sample of 20 participants will be conducted.

Conclusions:

The BQRCT complements and works synergistically with existing strategies for managing BPSD. Care teams can use various frameworks and tools flexibly either concurrently or at different times in the episode of care of persons with dementia and BPSD. These tools must address the diversity and personal background of the person with dementia and caregivers.