The effects of spaced-retrieval feeding training on feeding difficulty of institutionalized dementia elderly–A pilot study

• Main Authors: Shu-Chun Su, 蘇淑君
• Other Authors: Li-Chan Lin
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2008
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/71300525730102160908

碩士 === 國立陽明大學 === 護理學系暨研究所 === 96 === This study explored the efficacy of spaced-retrieval feeding training when applied to demented elderly having feeding difficulty. It used a quasi-experimental design, with 26 subjects selected from two dementia care facilities. Subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental group and control group. The experimental group received spaced-retrieval feeding training over a two month period, three times a week, while the control group simply followed the facility’s normal daily routine. Data analysis revealed several interesting results. The experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in scores of the Eating Behavior Scale compared to the control group. However, the two groups did not have a significant difference in feeding time, feeding volume, the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia, or the Mini Nutritional Assessment. Additionally, well-educated subjects tended to show a slightly higher improvement in feeding volume. Subjects who have stayed longer in the facility or were diagnosed with dementia for a longer period, showed a more dramatic decrease in scores on the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia. Subjects with a shorter residence time, a shorter duration of dementia diagnosis, or who were taking high levels of medication, showed a higher increase in scores on the Eating Behavior Scale. Mini Nutritional Assessment scores showed more dramatic increases in subjects with higher age. In looking at the effects on memory recall, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the recall performance compared to the control group. Subjects who performed poorly in daily activities, tended to have an increase in the correct recall percentage. Higher levels of medication tended to decrease the number of correct memory recall trials. Subjects who showed gains in their MMSE scores tended to have longer recall periods. Study results suggest that the number of learning sessions be increased or decreased based on the difficulty of a learning activity, and that booster sessions and follow up be practiced to ensure long term efficacy.