The perceived impacts of using dementia-friendly videos to support the psychosocial needs of people with moderate to severe dementia in care settings: A qualitative exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE

This exploratory qualitative study examines the perceived impacts of using dementia-friendly videos as a digital assistive technology to support the psychosocial needs of people with moderate to severe dementia in care settings.

METHODS

The study was conducted in a hospital and a long-term care home in Vancouver, Canada. Data were primarily collected through interviews and focus groups with 19 healthcare providers, supplemented by observational interviews with 15 patients/residents. The person-centred care approach guided the analysis.

FINDINGS

Seven key themes emerged: (a) providing comfort, (b) connecting with the person's interests and backgrounds, (c) building relationships, (d) promoting engagement and interaction, (e) facilitating activities of daily living, (f) having a sense of community, and (g) facilitating the impacts using appropriate technological equipment.

CONCLUSION

The themes reflected the five psychosocial needs suggested by the person-centred care framework: comfort, identity, attachment, occupation, and inclusion. Our findings extend this framework by highlighting the importance of cultural connection as an integral part of identity to enhance the impact of the videos. Additionally, this study highlights the significance of using appropriate technological equipment to amplify the impact of the videos, which may require organizational support. This study sheds light on research and practice for further development and use of dementia-friendly videos in care settings.