Dooley S, Furey S, O'Hanlon S, Walshe M. Conversation coaching in dementia: a feasibility study.
Eur Geriatr Med 2024;
15:209-216. [PMID:
38151685 DOI:
10.1007/s41999-023-00908-5]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE
Conversation abilities of people with dementia are impacted by cognitive-communication deficits. Communication interventions can improve quality of life by increasing positive interactions and well-being. This study evaluates the feasibility of a conversation coaching intervention for people with dementia and their communication partners.
METHOD
A mixed-method design was used. Thirty-four people were recruited over 12 months; 17 people with dementia and 17 communication partners. Participants with dementia were aged between 62 and 79 years (8 females, 9 males) and the communication partners were aged 33-77 years (5 males, 12 females). This conversation coaching intervention involved two assessment sessions (pre and post intervention) and 6 weekly sessions, alternating between individual and group-based sessions. These were facilitated by two experienced speech and language therapists with a three-month follow-up period. Participants were assessed initially and three months following intervention using Profiling Communication Ability in Dementia (P-CAD), Goal Attainment Scaling, and Capability Index for Older people (ICECAP-O).
RESULTS
Twenty-eight participants completed the conversation coaching intervention. P-CAD scores for people with dementia were maintained at three months for 71% (n = 10) showing no decline in function and 29% (n = 4) showed improvement. Using the Goal Attainment Scaling, all people with dementia and their communication partners reported that this conversation coaching intervention helped them achieve their individual communication goals. Ten (71%) people with dementia rated their well-being as higher on the ICE-CAP-O following intervention with 29% (n = 4) rating no change in well-being from initial assessment. Over three-quarters of communication partners, (79%: n = 11), reported an increased sense of well-being following intervention and 21% (n = 3) had no change in well-being.
CONCLUSIONS
Preliminary outcomes including participant feedback indicate that this conversation coaching intervention is feasible for people with dementia. The communication function and well-being of people with dementia were either maintained or improved. Conversation coaching intervention is collaborative and enhances the retained communication abilities of people living with dementia.
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