International Christian University, Mitaka, Japan.
J Appl Gerontol. 2020 Jan;39(1):62-73. doi: 10.1177/0733464817752085. Epub 2018 Jan 9.
Dementia is a leading cause of death and disability in Australia. This research evaluated dementia knowledge and educational needs among the Australian health workforce. An online version of the validated Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) was administered with a random sample of 234 health professionals across eight Australian states. Respondents provided additional self-report data concerning dementia experiences, educational needs, and demographic information. Dementia knowledge deficiencies were identified concerning risk factors, prevalent typologies of the condition, and cognitive symptoms. Prior university education and dementia-specific training were predictive of significantly higher knowledge scores. Self-reported dementia education needs included nonpharmaceutical interventions for the behavioral and psychological symptoms and best-evidence care provision. Knowledge deficiencies among health workers suggest patients with dementia may not be receiving consistent, best-evidence care in Australia. The research findings will support the development of a targeted online dementia education intervention that aims to improve health worker knowledge and patient care.
痴呆症是澳大利亚的主要死亡和致残原因。本研究评估了澳大利亚卫生工作者的痴呆症知识和教育需求。使用经过验证的痴呆症知识评估量表（DKAS）的在线版本，对澳大利亚八个州的 234 名卫生专业人员进行了随机抽样。受访者提供了有关痴呆症经验、教育需求和人口统计信息的其他自我报告数据。在风险因素、该病症的普遍类型和认知症状方面，发现了痴呆症知识的不足。先前的大学教育和针对痴呆症的培训是知识得分显著更高的预测因素。自我报告的痴呆症教育需求包括针对行为和心理症状的非药物干预措施以及提供最佳证据的护理。卫生工作者的知识不足表明澳大利亚的痴呆症患者可能没有得到一致的、最佳证据的护理。研究结果将支持开发有针对性的在线痴呆症教育干预措施，旨在提高卫生工作者的知识和患者护理水平。
