Staff's experiences of a culturally specific DEmentia Competence Education for Nursing home Taskforce (DECENT) programme: A qualitative process evaluation

Abstract

Aim

To understand participants' experiences with a culturally specific DEmentia Competence Education for Nursing home Taskforce programme within the contexts which was delivered.

Design

An exploratory descriptive qualitative approach.

Methods

Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted within one week with the participants upon their completion of the programme from July 2020 to January 2021. A purposive sample of participants with different demographic characteristics in five nursing homes was recruited to maximize the sample variation. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim for qualitative content analysis. Participation was on voluntary and anonymous basis.

Results

Four major themes were identified, including perceived benefits of the programme (i.e., enhanced sensitivity to the needs of residents with dementia, increased communication with families of residents with dementia, facilitated guidance on care for residents with dementia), facilitators (i.e., comprehensive content, active learning, qualified trainer, intrinsic motivation and organizational support), barriers (i.e., busy working schedules, discrimination against care assistants' learning capability) and suggestions for improvement.

Conclusion

The results suggested the acceptability of the programme. The participants positively appraised the programme in enhancing their dementia-care competence. The facilitators, barriers and suggestions identified provide insights on improving programme implementation.

Impact

The qualitative findings from the process evaluation are pertinent to support the sustainability of dementia competence programme in nursing home setting. Future studies could address the modifiable barriers to enhance its effectiveness.

Reporting Method

This study was reported in adherence to the Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitatve studies (COREQ) checklist.

Patient and Public Contribution

Nursing-home staff was involved in intervention development and delivery.

Implications for Practice/Policy

The educational programme could be integrated into the routine practice in nursing homes to improve staff's dementia-care competence. More attention should be paid on the educational needs of the taskforce when implementing the educational programme in nursing homes. Organizational support is the precondition for the educational programme and cultivates a culture for practice change.