Sensory stimulation A way of creating mutual relations in….pdfVIP

International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being EMPIRICAL STUDY Sensory stimulation*A way of creating mutual relations in dementia care 1 1,2 ELSE LYKKESLET, PhD, RN , EVA GJENGEDAL, PhD, RN , TORILL SKRONDAL, MS, RN1 MAY-BRITT STORJORD, BS, RN3 1Faculty of Health and Social Care, Molde University College, Molde, Norway, 2Department of Global Health and Primary Care, Bergen University, Bergen, Norway, and 3Clinic for Mental Health, Moere and Romsdal Health Thrust, Molde, Norway Abstract The overall aim of this 2-year Norwegian action research study was to improve the interaction between care workers and patients with dementia in a nursing home by means of sensory stimulation. Furthermore, the aim was to investigate how the staff experienced the interaction with patients suffering from behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia before, under, and after introduction of sensory stimulation methods in clinical practice. An intervention program consisting of lectures and practical guiding in sensory stimulation was implemented. The care workers participated in group meetings to reflect on the progress. Focus group interviews and participant observations were conducted initially to map exciting practice, and at the end to evaluate potential changes in attitude and skills. Observation notes and interview transcripts were analyzed by means of thematic analysis which revealed a gradual emergence of person-centered care. A phenomenological life-world perspective may serve as a theoretical basis to deepen the understanding of the use of sensory stimulation. Key words: Action research, communication, dementia, nursing homes, sensory stimulation (Accepted: 12 June 2014; Published: 8 July 2014) This article relate