Applicability of the Self-Evaluation Scale of nursing practices for improving sleep quality among patients with dementia taking sleeping pills to general nurses.

Objective: Many patients with dementia experience sleep-related problems. However, there is a lack of clarity regarding nursing practices that can address these issues. Thus, we developed a self-assessment scale for nursing practices to improve sleep quality among patients with dementia taking sleep medication and confirmed its validity and reliability. This study aimed to test the validity and reliability of this scale for adaptability to general nurses and test its applicability. Participants and Methods: The survey included basic attributes and questionnaire items related to nursing practices to improve sleep quality in patients with dementia taking sleeping pills. Data from 477 participants with no missing values in the survey items were used in the analysis. The self-evaluation scale of nursing practices for improving sleep quality among patients with dementia taking sleeping pills was based on a three-factor model, and confirmatory factor analysis was performed using structural equation modeling. Results: Goodness-of-fit indices were satisfactory, supporting the construct validity of the scale. Cronbach's α coefficients for the total score and the three factors of the self-evaluation scale of nursing practices for improving sleep quality among patients with dementia taking sleeping pills exceeded 0.7. Conclusion: The development of this scale can improve the quality of nursing practice for patients with dementia who take sleeping pills. Moreover, it can serve as evidence for general nurses to participate in drug treatment and can be considered as basic research for appropriate drug treatment in nursing practice.

Development of a scale to evaluate nurses' recovery orientation in the dementia care.

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Much research has been conducted on the relationship between recovery orientation and people diagnosed with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and mood disorders. A recovery-oriented approach by mental health professionals can reduce hospital stays and medical costs for people diagnosed with mental illness. There are similarities and differences between recovery-oriented approaches for individuals diagnosed with dementia and those diagnosed with mental illness. This reflects the characteristics of irreversible dementia. Although dementia courses at recovery colleges are increasing, dementia recovery is in its infancy and course content varies. The core of the recovery framework for individuals diagnosed with dementia is 'Continue to be me'. Recovery-oriented approaches and programmes have been developed by mental health workers for older adults, including those with dementia, but there are no outcome measures that reflect the characteristics of dementia care. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: We developed a scale to assess nurses' recovery orientation in dementia care, which has been found to be reliable, and although some validity issues remain, it is the first scale to objectively assess recovery orientation in dementia care. The emphasis is on helping people diagnosed with dementia maintain their identity, which is not adequately covered by existing measures of recovery. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The ability to objectively assess recovery orientation in dementia care allows us to identify areas of inadequacy. It can be used to reduce variation in the content of recovery college courses and as an indicator for evaluating training in recovery-oriented approaches to dementia care. ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Programmes regarding recovery-oriented approaches for older people, including those with dementia, have been developed, but there are no clear indicators, and the process is still in its infancy. PURPOSE: We developed a scale to assess nurses' recovery orientation in dementia care. METHODS: A draft of a 28-item scale was developed based on interviews with 10 nurses, skilled in dementia care with a Japanese mental health perspective, and a literature review. A self-administered questionnaire was developed for nurses working in a dementia ward, and an exploratory factor analysis was conducted. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test for convergent and discriminant validity. The Recovery Attitude Questionnaire was used to examine criterion-related validity. RESULTS: An exploratory factor analysis produced a 19-item scale and identified five factors (KMO value: 0.854). The Cronbach's alpha for the overall scale was .856, with each subfactor showing a range of .742-.792, validating its reliability. DISCUSSION: The results of confirmatory factor analysis supported the five-factor construct. Reliability was verified, but some issues remained in convergent and discriminant validity. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This scale can be used to objectively assess nurses' recovery orientation in dementia care and as a measure of training in recovery-oriented approaches.

Development of a Visiting Nursing Practice Self-Evaluation Scale: Assessment of Skill for Caring for Individuals With Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia.

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) continue to be a concern for our rapidly progressing aging society. Visiting nurses play an important role in community service for individuals with BPSD. The aim of the current study was to develop a visiting nursing practice self-evaluation scale for nurses who care for individuals with BPSD. The study was conducted in two phases. Semi-structured interviews were arranged to generate a draft scale that was further examined by an expert panel. A national survey was performed using the draft scale and two existing scales. Four factors and 22 items were obtained from exploratory factor analysis: (a) assessment and response factors related to BPSD, (b) interventions for reducing family care burdens, (c) nonpharmacological approaches, and (d) attitudes in trying to understand a patient's intentions. Reliability and validity were verified. The scale is useful for improving visiting nursing services for individuals with dementia. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 13(1), 49-60.].

Factors affecting the sense of burden felt by family members caring for patients with mental illness.

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that affect the sense of burden felt by family members caring for patients with mental illness at home in Japan. This study was conducted by using the cross-sectional method, and a questionnaire was delivered to 30 patients and 30 family caregivers. A multiple regression analysis was conducted, with sense of burden as the dependent variable and variables showing a significant correlation in the univariate analysis as the independent variables. The results of the study revealed that patients' satisfaction with daily life and ability to perform tasks had a strong impact on the sense of burden felt by the caregivers. These results suggest that providing support that enhances the quality of life of the patients with mental illness may indirectly help reduce the sense of burden felt by family members caring for them.