C-38 Telehealth Dementia Management in a Memory Care Unit: Survey Response Rates and Quality of Life

Abstract

Abstract This feasibility study assessed changes in patient, staff, and family member ratings over time in a program using technology in patient care on an inpatient dementia unit in a nursing home. Method Dementia patients [N = 17; 50% Female; Age M (SD) = 84.56 (7.12); CDR M (SD) = 2.24 (5.17); MoCA M (SD) = 6.67 (.75)], caregivers (N = 17), and staff (N = 27) at a locked memory unit of a long-term care facility in the southern U.S. consented and enrolled in an individualized care program that implemented telehealth visits between a neuropsychologist and residents with staff. The start and end dates of the group varied due to new admissions and deaths. A feasibility study using a repeated measures design was conducted with monthly data collected from questionnaires (Quality of Life (QoL), Professional Care Team Burden (PCTB) Scale, and Zarit Caregiver Burden Inventory). Results QoL in residents as rated by staff was stable over a five-month interval [Baseline M (SD) = 37.94 (7.28); Month-5 M (SD) = 37.13(5.96), p = 0.98]. PCTB and Zarit responses were adequate at baseline (96.3% and 94.4%); however, due to poor response rates at Month 5 (14.3% and 27.2%), comparisons weren’t possible. Conclusion Changes in patient quality of life were not found over a five-month period. However, due to the severity and progression of dementia, a neutral finding may be positive. Anecdotally, perceptions of the program were positive. However, due to low survey response rates, we cannot accurately translate the benefits to the staff and family. Future studies should assess improving response rate or alternate forms of data collection. Generalizability is limited by size and setting.