The introduction of a nursing guideline on depression at psychogeriatric nursing home wards: effects on certified nurse assistants

Abstract

Background: To improve care for residents with depression in dementia, an evidence based nursing guideline was developed. Using the guideline has already shown positive effects on depression in psychogeriatric nursing home residents.

Objective: To study the effects of the introduction of the nursing guideline 'depression in dementia' on perceived professional autonomy, workload and feelings of powerlessness and confidence in Certified Nurse Assistants.

Design: A multi-center controlled intervention study with randomization at ward level, using pre-test, post-test and follow-up measurements.

Setting: 18 psychogeriatric wards in 9 Dutch nursing homes.

Participants: 193 Certified Nurse Assistants working on psychogeriatric nursing home wards for at least 20 h per week.

Methods: An evidence based guideline for nursing teams of psychogeriatric nursing home wards was introduced on nine experimental wards to reduce depression in residents diagnosed with depression in dementia. The guideline introduction consisted of team training and the installation of a promotion group. The nine control wards continued providing usual care. Primary outcomes are: (1) perceived professional autonomy and (2) experienced workload in Certified Nurse Assistants measured with the VBBA subscales 'autonomy' and 'pace and amount of work'. Secondary outcomes are perceived powerlessness and confidence in caring for depressed and demented residents, using two self-developed scales.

Results: The guideline introduction had a small, significant, positive effect on generally perceived professional autonomy in the Certified Nurse Assistants of the experimental wards. No short-term effects were found on generally experienced workload, or on confidence and powerlessness in caring for depressed residents with dementia.

Conclusion: The introduction of the nursing guideline 'depression in dementia' has small, positive effects on perceived professional autonomy among the Certified Nurse Assistants. Long-term effects on experienced workload should be studied.