Staff Training Interventions to Prevent or Reduce Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Nursing Home Residents: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Nursing home (NH) staff mention knowledge deficits regarding the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) in residents with neurocognitive disorders (NCDs). Staff training therefore appears to be necessary. However, existing evidence on best training practices and their outcomes remains scattered. This systematic review aimed to (1) identify the best clinical practices and theoretical bases of staff training interventions on BPSD management in NHs and (2) summarize the effects of these interventions on resident and staff outcomes.

Methods: A mixed methods systematic review was conducted. Two nurse researchers independently searched nine electronic databases to identify studies on the efficacy of staff training interventions aimed at BPSD management in NHs, on a variety of resident and staff outcomes. The search was conducted for articles published between 1996 and 2022, using selected keywords, MeSH terms, and predefined eligibility criteria. The methodological quality of the retrieved studies was assessed using JBI checklists.

Results: Overall, 39 studies in 47 articles were included. Ten categories of trainings were identified, of which three demonstrated the most promising results on both residents and staff: (1) structured protocols and models, (2) person-centred bathing, and (3) communication techniques. The methodological quality of the retrieved studies was generally weak. Issues with intervention feasibility and reproducibility were also noted.

Conclusion: Training interventions incorporating structured protocols and models, person-centred bathing, and communication techniques are associated with better staff and resident outcomes. However, there is a strong need for high-quality research to strengthen existing evidence and ensure feasibility and reproducibility.

Keywords: Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia management; Dementia; Neurocognitive disorder; Nursing home; Staff training.