1 Interprofessional Student Team Approach to Care for Residents with Dementia: Development of Empathy Linking Theory, Research and Practice: A Systemic Approach in Nursing CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference Moncton, New Brunswick May 2009 Darlene J. Scott, RN, BSN, MSc(CH&E) Nursing Division

2 Dementia Behaviors & Empathy 3 themes: Dementia care IPE team building skills Empathy CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference 2

3 The Project Intents Intent to provide an opportunity for Nursing and medical radiological technology students Development of interprofessional teamwork skills and behaviors The project provided opportunities for health science students to engage in: Team building exercises Case-based scenarios Facilitated small group discussions CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference 3

4 Student Groups 7 Year 2 students from the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan, Nursing Division, SIAST 8 Year 2 students from the Medical Diagnostics Programs, Science & Health Division, SIAST divided into 3 teams of students from both programs CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference 4

5 Project Description: 3 sessions 1 st &3 rd - problem based learning (PBL) with 5 part scenario in interprofessional (IP) teams Scenario featured elderly patient with dementia 2 nd - all students experienced Virtual Dementia Tour © - Debriefing in 3 rd session CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference 5

6 Virtual Dementia Tour© * Is a lived experience replicating the sensory symptoms of dementia : replicate degenerative physical symptoms heighten awareness level of the plight of confused elders *The Virtual Dementia Tour © developed by Second Wind Dreams CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference 6

7 Evaluation pre and post surveys of the PBL pre and post surveys of VDT © evaluation of group participation CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference 7

8 Pre & Post surveys of VDT © Pre- VDT © During- VDT © Post- VDT © Confidence in own ability to complete tasks of daily living 83% very confident 69% somewhat 23% not at all 83% frustrated that unable to complete tasks 15% of students had a pretest score of feeling very confident and a subsequent post test score of feeling not at all confident during the tour 77% of students felt frustrated ‘to a degree of 60% or more’ during tour CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference8

9 Pre & Post Surveys of VDT © Pre- VDT © Post-VDT © Elders with dementia have different needs than those without dementia 75% same needs 23% different needs Understanding of emotional needs of elders with dementia 5% felt strongly that needs understood 63% reported increased awareness How easy it is for residents with dementia to get through the day. 3% somewhat easy 67% not at all easy Level of awareness of difficulties residents experienced coping with routine daily activities 100% of students felt the tour made them more aware CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference 9

10 Year 1 Student Comments “I didn’t expect to learn so much. Going through the tour I was frustrated when I couldn’t remember what I supposed to do or if I couldn’t find something. Coming out of the tour I feel I can relate to these clients. I realize that I have to become more patient with my clients … give them one task at a time and let them take as long as they need.” CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference 10

11 Yr 1 Student Comments (cont’d) We got to experience what it would be like to have dementia. This allowed us to have more compassion than if we had not experienced it. It will allow me to care for residents with increased sensitivity and a greater knowledge base. I am very grateful for the experience. CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference11

12 Yr 1 Student Comments (cont’d) I found it very interesting. I found it gave me a better understanding of what a person who is living with dementia encounters on a daily basis. I now understand some of the confusion and frustration those with dementia experience. I will bring more patience and be more caring as they have a huge challenge. 12 CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference

13 Subsequent Experiences 10 faculty in Med Diagnostics Program All final year students in Med Diagnostics Program experience VDT 20 faculty in nursing program All nursing students in Year 1 fundamentals clinical course (Kelsey Campus) 27 staff in long term care facilities (an education site for 4 groups of Yr 1 nursing students) CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference13

14 Conclusion Use of a Virtual Dementia Tour © has a profound impact on student practice as well as faculty and staff facilitates the development of empathy for elders with dementia. CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference 14

15 Acknowledgments Project co-facilitators: Tara Hupaelo, and Cathy Baerg, Medical Diagnostic Programs, Science & Health Division, SIAST Funding supported by: Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology & P-CITE, Saskatchewan’s Canadian Interprofessional Education for Collaborative Patient Centred Practice (CIECPCP), Health Canada Project CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference 15

CASN/ACESI 2009 Nursing Research Conference 16 Contact information: Darlene J. Scott: Second Winds Dreams Virtual Dementia Tour Training Kit © available from Questions?