New Approaches in Dementia and Developmental Disability Care: Findings from Bridgeside Labs
Bridgeside Labs has recently published two studies that shed light on better care approaches for individuals with dementia and children with developmental disabilities. These studies highlight the importance of targeted, non-pharmacological interventions and the role of family involvement in therapeutic processes.
Improving Dementia Care in Nursing Homes
The first study focuses on enhancing dementia care in nursing homes through specialized training programs. Non-pharmacological strategies are increasingly prioritized to manage dementia-related symptoms, emphasizing a holistic and patient-centered approach.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Occupational Therapy investigated two types of dementia training programs for nursing home staff: a team-based approach and a problem-based approach. This multiple-case study, embedded within a pragmatic trial, gathered insights from staff at 23 nursing homes. Staff participated in one-on-one interviews to discuss how they applied their training to resident care, with findings analyzed using a rapid qualitative approach.
The results were promising across both training types. Nursing home staff reported improved communication with residents and families, a better understanding of the sources of residents' behaviors, enhanced comfort, and increased safety measures for those in their care. Furthermore, after the training, the staff demonstrated greater confidence in their caregiving abilities.
However, the study also highlighted key differences between the two approaches. The team-based training fostered better teamwork and collaboration among staff members. This approach improved the care provided to residents and encouraged staff to work together more effectively to engage residents and manage challenging behaviors.
These findings suggest that while both training programs are beneficial, nursing home leaders may want to consider the unique strengths of each when deciding on the most suitable dementia care training for their staff.
Enhancing Outcomes for Children with Developmental Disabilities
The second study explores the impact of parent-mediated interventions (PMIs) in occupational therapy for children with developmental disabilities (DD). This scoping review synthesizes the literature on PMIs, focusing on occupation-based outcomes — skills and activities necessary for daily life.
The research team, which also included researchers from the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Occupational Therapy, extensively reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2023, analyzing 471 publications to identify relevant studies. They included research that involved children aged 3-12 with developmental disabilities and focused on PMIs designed to improve daily functions. The final review encompassed 12 studies that met these criteria.
Four key themes emerged from the analysis: variations in terminology, different types of PMIs, essential components of these interventions, and their overall impact. Despite the variability in sample sizes, intervention types, and outcomes, the review found that PMIs generally have a positive effect on both children with developmental disabilities and their parents. These interventions help children develop essential daily skills and empower parents to actively participate in their child's therapeutic process.
The study concludes that while PMIs are feasible and show potential benefits, further research is needed to refine the components of these interventions, standardize the terminology used, and evaluate the effectiveness of different PMIs for specific populations.