RESUMO
This exploratory study was done first to determine the appropriateness of Barnard's Feeding Scale (BFS) as a measure of dyadic interaction between caregivers and residents with dementia. Seventy-five of the 76 discrete BFS behaviors were observed during the feedings, thus indicating appropriateness of the BFS. Then, 228 dyadic feedings were observed and scored to achieve the second purpose: to numerically describe caregiver-resident interaction during mealtimes in two nursing homes. Results showed caregivers in both nursing homes demonstrated the highest interaction scores on BFS subscale Response to Distress and the lowest scores on two of the caregiver subscales, Sensitivity to Cues and Social-Emotional Responsiveness. Caregivers' total mean scores correlated (r = 0.523) with those of residents. The third purpose of the study was accomplished using quantitative data to begin exploring the potential influence of participant and other factors during feeding. Clinically, the specific behavioral items of the BFS provide objective assessment of caregiver-resident interaction during feeding.
