The effect of a feeding skills training program for nursing assistants who feed dementia patients in Taiwanese nursing homes

Geriatr Nurs. 2006 Jul-Aug;27(4):229-37. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2006.03.007.

Abstract

A quasi-experimental 2-group repeated-measures design was used to test the impact of a feeding skills training program on 67 nursing assistants (treatment group n = 31; control group n = 36) regarding their knowledge, attitudes, perceived behavior control, intentions, and behaviors in feeding dementia patients. The treatment group received a feeding skills training program. Nursing assistants' knowledge, attitudes, perceived behavior control, and intentions were measured before (Pretest) and after the program (Posttest 1), and again 4 weeks later (Posttest 2). Nursing assistants (treatment group n = 20; control group n = 16) and the same number of dementia patients were measured on feeding behaviors during mealtimes before and after the training. The treatment group had significantly more knowledge (P < .001), greater intention to feed (P = .05), and better behaviors toward feeding dementia patients (P = .009) than the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups in attitude (P = .85), intention beliefs (P = .11) or perceived behavior control (P = .99). Thus, the intervention was effective at changing knowledge, intention, and behaviors among nursing assistants.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Dementia / nursing
  • Dementia / physiopathology*
  • Feeding Methods*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nursing Assistants / education*
  • Nursing Assistants / psychology
  • Nursing Homes
  • Professional Competence*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Taiwan