A Team Coaching Intervention for Dementia Care: Acceptability and Feasibility Study in Care Communities

Objectives

In 2018, the Alzheimer's Association published the Dementia Care Practice Recommendations (DCPR) to provide guidance on quality care for professionals. This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a consultative coaching program to increase adoption of the DCPR.

Design

A single-group pre-post design was employed. A 6-month team coaching intervention was implemented to make organization-wide and measurable changes in the areas of (1) policies and procedures, (2) education and training, or (3) care practices to increase person-centered care practices.

Setting and Participants

A total of 36 care communities in Washington and Montana states were enrolled in this program.

Methods

Focus groups were conducted with participants to explore the acceptability and feasibility of the program. A 35-item employees satisfaction survey was administered both before and after the program.

Results

The findings offer preliminary evidence that implementing a coaching program is desired by care community staff and has a positive impact on staff job satisfaction and the use of person-centered care. The coaching model was received by staff as a supportive and affirming program.

Conclusions and Implications

The team coaching intervention, designed to improve person-centered care and employee satisfaction, is acceptable. However, its efficacy needs to be tested with a larger sample using a randomized controlled design.