Development of a new tool for the early identification of communication-support needs in people living with dementia: An Australian face-validation study.

Abstract

Language and communication difficulties are common in dementia but limited tools are available for a timely assessment of those individuals who experience these difficulties. The Communication-Support Needs Assessment Tool in Dementia (CoSNAT-D) was developed to assist in (a) the early identification of communication difficulties among people with dementia in the community context; and (b) determining the level of their communication support needs to guide appropriate service access. The CoSNAT-D was developed based on a literature review. The face validity was tested with end-users (people with dementia and support persons of people with dementia) regarding relevance, wording, syntax, appropriateness and comprehensiveness of the items of the tool. Data were collected using semi-structured phone interviews. Seven people with dementia and 15 carers participated in the study. Feedback regarding items' appropriateness was largely positive and minor changes were made to improve comprehensiveness. A new item was added to the original item pool. The interviews highlighted the importance of including people with dementia in the assessment processes and person-centered approaches in this context. The CoSNAT-D presents a first step for the early identification of individual support needs of people living with dementia and communication difficulties who live in the community. Items of the CoSNAT-D have been determined face-valid by end-users. The face-validated version of the tool is currently undergoing further testing to determine additional relevant psychometric properties.