Background/Objectives
Persons with dementia frequently demonstrate distress behaviors in dementia (DBD), associated with poorer outcomes. This study aimed to create a measure of DBD from routinely administered Minimum Data Set (MDS 3.0) behavior section items that demonstrated sensitivity to change, for evaluation of intervention efforts for VA Community Living Center (CLCs) residents exhibiting DBD.
The Distress Behavior in Dementia Indicator (DBDI) was created as a consistent factor with internal consistency, and was related to a validated measure as predicted at baseline and post‐intervention. Sensitivity to change was demonstrated by using change score correlations (r = 0.40–0.50), effect size (d = 0.63), and reliable change indices.
Conclusion
The DBDI is recommended for routine use in CLCs to evaluate impact of intervention effectiveness and provide quality improvement feedback.
Read the full article at: agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
