The Perspective of Nurses and Healthcare Providers on the use of Television Videos with People with Moderate to Severe Dementia

Abstract

Background Nurses and healthcare providers need practical tools to deliver person-centred care in hospitals and long-term care homes. Few non-pharmacological interventions are designed to meet the needs of people with moderate to severe dementia. Dementia-friendly television videos (TV videos) offer a familiar stimulation with the potential for meaningful engagement in the relational space of technology. TV videos refer to moving visuals with audio that can be shown on TV and other devices. They can be used for different purposes for people with dementia, such as stimulating memories and facilitating expressions. Purpose This study aims to understand the perspectives of nurses and healthcare providers on the potential function and practice considerations of using TV videos for people with moderate to severe dementia. Methods We conducted five focus groups with 23 nurses and healthcare providers in a long-term care home and a geriatric hospital unit. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and guided by Kitwood's person-centred care model. Results Our analysis identified five themes about the use of TV videos: (1) calm the person with dementia who is in emotional distress, (2) form connections with the person with dementia, (3) bring people with dementia together, (4) facilitate the Person's Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), (5) help the person connect with their past. Conclusion TV videos should be designed to match the person's cognitive abilities, interests, and cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Our findings supplemented Kitwood's model by identifying the person's cultural and language needs.