How formal caregiver’s BPSD knowledge influences positive aspects of caregiving: the mediating role of attitude and the moderating role of self-efficacy

Abstract

Background The current study investigated the relationship between behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) knowledge and positive aspects of caregiving (PAC), in addition, how caregiving attitude and self-efficacy mediate or moderate this relationship. Methods Two hundred twenty-nine formal caregivers (51males and 178females) who has worked in nursing homes for more than a month were recruited.With a cross-sectional, face-to-face survey, structural questionnaires were implemented to evaluate formal caregiver’s BPSD knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and PAC.A 13-item self-developed questionnaire was used to assess caregiver’s BPSD knowledge about disease characteristics, care and risks, and treatment needs. Dementia attitude, self-efficacy and positive aspects of caregiving were measured by dementia attitude scale, the General self-efficacy scale, and Chinese version of positive aspects of caregiving respectively. Model 5 in the PROCESS micro was employed in order to verify the mediating effect of attitude and the moderating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between BPSD knowledge and PAC. Results The results showed that greater BPSD knowledge was associated with increased PAC, and this relationship was fully mediated by increased friendly attitude toward people with dementia. Moreover, direct effect was moderated by self-efficacy, and that only among those with high self-efficacy, the direct effect of BPSD knowledge was found on promoting PAC. Conclusions By elucidating the knowledge-attitude-practice pathway in handling patient’s BPSD, the current study extends existing literature and provides insights for developing psychoeducation programs among formal caregivers.

Towards web-based adaptive learning on the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia care for nursing staff of long-term care facilities: A quasi-experimental study

“…Considering the direct moderate effect of self-e cacy to the knowledge improvement [35], it could be suggested that an adaptive learning-based BPSD education, which this study showed signi cantly increased both knowledge, and self-e cacy, is an appropriate direction for future LTCF education.…”

“…That the rst course, which dealt mainly with BPSD knowledge, had the highest adaptation rate, could indicate that the knowledge level of the learners in the experimental group was improved more effectively by their ability to selectively focus on the areas in which they lacked knowledge. Many previous studies have emphasized the importance of nursing staff staying up-to-date on knowledge that affects their practice, especially those who apply that practice at the very close side of residents with dementia, reporting that it leads to a positive attitude, reduced burden, and better care ability [12,35,36].…”

“…High e cacy has been reported to be essential for effective BPSD care in LTCFs because it reduces the nursing staff's burden and stress [33,34]. Improvements in the mental health of nursing staff who provide direct care for residents with dementia can lead to a decrease in BPSD incidence due to the staff's more positive perception and attitude in BPSD care [34,35].…”

Person‐centred caregiver singing for people living with dementia in South Africa: A mixed methods evaluation of acceptability, feasibility, and professional caregivers' experiences

“…Empathy and caregivers' positive emotional experiences seemed to foster self‐efficacy, reflected in their competence and confidence in applying PCCS and caring for residents. Greater self‐efficacy supports positive aspects of caregiving such as feelings of mutuality, personal growth and purpose, and job satisfaction 57,58 and reduces the burden of care 59 . Caregivers' positive emotional experiences are vital in their provision of individualised care and personal relation to the resident 60 .…”

Effects of a dementia educational programme using virtual reality on nurses in an acute care hospital: A pre‐post comparative study

“…As reported previously, knowledge-based education alone is insufficient to improve care practices for PLWD (Gkioka et al, 2020;Surr & Gates, 2017). An approach to improve the attitudes of healthcare staff towards PLWD should be included in educational interventions because staff members with more positive attitudes are more likely to engage in activities and social interactions with PLWD, possibly improving person-centred care (PCC) (Hu et al, 2022;Lintern, 2001).…”