Title: Individual specific reminiscence in dementia
Commissioned Research – Dementia Care
Research Team
Dr A Ryan, Reader, Institute of Nursing and Health Research
Prof B Bunting, Psychology Research Institute
Dr K Curran, Reader, Computer Science Research Institute
Ms E Laird, School of Nursing & Institute of Nursing and Health Research
Mrs A Gibson, Research Assistant
Dr F Ferry, Health Economist
Prof M Mulvenna, Computer Science Research Institute
Collaborators
Mrs Catherine Mawhinney, Head of Memory Service at theSouthern Health and Social Care Trust.
Mr Graeme Skelton, Service user and retired company manager.
Mrs Audrey Lockhart, Chairperson, Reminiscence NI
Mrs Sheila McCarthy, Pramerica.
Mrs Marian Ferguson, General Manager, Reminiscence NI
Rationale
The focus of this study is individual specific, home-based reminiscence which will address many of the limitations identified in previous studies (Upton et al. 2011; Subramaniam & Woods 2012; Woods et al. 2012) in relation to use of reminiscence in dementia.
Aim
The aim of this study is to develop and assess the feasibility of individual specific reminiscence activity facilitated through the use of bespoke software (InspireD) among people with dementia and their family carers.
The objectives are:
1. to identify and refine the specification for the software (InspireD) and its application to tablet devices;
2. to test the usability of the revised system;
3. to examine the impact of facilitated reminiscence activity on the person with dementia and their family carer using a range of outcome measures;
4. to explore users’ views on InspireD;
5. to enhance independence and quality of life;
6. to incorporate a health economic component which will inform the design of a potential future cost-effectiveness analysis from a societal perspective alongside an RCT.
Study Design and Methods
A user centred design process philosophy will guide the development of InspireD. Then a quasi-experimental study incorporating a paired sample (person with dementia and his/her carer), with repeated measures design will be conducted.
Phase 1 - will identify and refine the specification for the software.
Phase 2 – reminiscence training, and training in use of InspireD will be rolled out across the study site. Participants will use InspireD at home, with testing pre-intervention, and comparison of outcomes at specified time points after implementation.
Phase 3 - one-to-one interviews with a sample of participants.
Sample
The intention is to recruit a total of 60 individuals: 30 dyads (person with dementia and their carer). The sample will be recruited from the Western Health and Social Care Trust catchment area which has approximately 1830 people on its primary care dementia register.
Timescale for study
The study is designed to be completed within two years. Year 1 will focus on refinement and testing whereas Year 2 will focus on delivery and measurement of outcomes.
Plan for dissemination
A website will enable us to create a central hub for sharing aspects of the project with interested stakeholders. Anticipated publications and conferences presentations will focus on the technology development, methodology and findings from the quasi-experimental study. It is anticipated that the results will be valuable in extending the body of knowledge in relation to reminiscence work for people with dementia and their carers.
References
Subramaniam P and Woods B (2012) The impact of individual reminiscence therapy for people with dementia: systematic review. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics 12(5), 545-55.
Upton D, Upton P, Jones T, Jutlla K, Brooker D (2011) Evaluation of the impact of touch screen technology on people with dementia and their carers within care home settings. http://memoryappsfordementia.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/University-of-Worcester-iPad-report-2011.pdf Accessed 1 September 2013.
Woods RT, Bruce E, Edwards RT, Elvish R, Hoare Z, Hounsome B, Keady J, Moniz-Cook ED, Orgeta V, Orrell M, Rees J and Russell IT (2012) REMCARE: Reminiscence groups for people with dementia and their family caregivers – effectiveness and cost-effectiveness pragmatic multicentre randomised trial. Health Technology Assessment 16, 48.
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