Illness representation of dementia in professionals of nursing homes

Abstract

Background: Professionals’ illness representations of dementia could influence the quality of care they provide to people in nursing homes. Our research questions are: which is the mental representation of dementia in nursing homes staff? Is it different depending on professional group? Is the illness representation related to job satisfaction in people working with patients with dementia? Is this relation mediated by perceived competence? And, which are the explicit necessities of training in this context? Methods: About 250 professionals, nurses and other (physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, physicians, occupational therapists, social educators and managers) working in 25 nursing homes will participate in this exploratory study. We will administrate a Spanish adaptation of the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Frequency and the Perceived Competence of dementia-related work activities, a global and specific job satisfaction questionnaire, and a question about necessities of training for dementia care. Expected results: We expect illness representation to be related to perceived competence and job satisfaction. Professionals working daily close to dementia people are expected to present a different profile in dimensions of dementia mental illness from people with other work activities less close to patients. Current stage of work: A pilot study to test cultural adaptation of questionnaires and the procedure of participation has been developed. Discussion: Specific training programs for dementia care staff should include characteristics of mental representation dimensions of dementia, especially those related to low sense of competence and job satisfaction.