Supporting Direct Care Workers in Dementia Care: Effects of a Psychoeducational Intervention

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Mike Nolan (Author) Other; Liliana Sousa (Author) ICBAS; Daniela Figueiredo (Author) Other

Journal

Title: American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias

Vol. 30

Pages: 130-138

ISSN: 1533-3175

Publisher: SAGE

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 28 Citations

Scopus - 29 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-9GK

DOI: 10.1177/1533317514550331

Abstract (EN): An experimental study using a pre-posttest control group design was conducted to assess the effects of a person-centered care-based psychoeducational intervention on direct care workers' stress, burnout, and job satisfaction. The intervention aimed to develop person-centered care competences and tools for stress management. Four aged care facilities were randomly assigned to a psychoeducational or an education-only intervention (control). Data were collected from 56 direct care workers (female, mean age 44.72 +/- 9.02) through measurements of burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory), job satisfaction (Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire-short form), and stress (Perceived Stress Scale) and focus-group interviews. Results showed significant positive effects in emotional exhaustion (P = .029) and positive but no significant effects in stress and job satisfaction. According to qualitative data, the experimental group perceived enhanced group cohesion, emotional management, and self-care awareness. Psychoeducational interventions may contribute to reduce direct care workers' burnout. Further work is needed to determine the extent of its benefits.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9