[ENG]Aim: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a behavioural intervention programme
aimed at reducing the reluctance of dependent people to attend Adult Day
Care Centres. We hope that reducing resistance will have a positive influence on
the mental health of caregivers.
Background: Care centres offer important relief and rest services for family caregivers.
Some caregivers report being affected by behavioural and psychological
symptoms of dementia when they prepare dependents for the Care Centres, especially
when these have dementia. Caregivers often report the need for information
about how to manage the behaviour of the sick. Nurses in community healthcare
units can investigate cases of patients who present resistance when attending care
centres and can promote the use of interventions aimed at reducing this problem.
Design: Randomised controlled clinical trial.
Methods: The reference population will be care centre users in Salamanca (Spain)
to select 120 family members responsible for the preparation and transfer of the
care-recipient. Each participant will be randomised to an intervention group or control
group (standard care). A baseline assessment and 6 months follow-up assessment
will be performed (study approved in September 2016).
Intervention: The intervention group will consist of 8 sessions, one per week, each
lasting 90 min. Each session will be run by a psychologist trained in behaviour analysis
and will be tailored to the specific behavioural problems reported by the caregivers.
Discussion: The results of a previously published pilot study allow us to be optimistic
about the possibilities of a brief intervention.
