Abstract
Background and Aims: A Family-Directed Behaviour Support (FDBS) program was developed to increase the competency of family caregivers in supporting behaviour change in relatives with ABI, addressing unmet information and practical support needs and reducing families’ dependency on specialised services, which are currently limited. The FDBS program is based on a positive behaviour support framework and consists of a four-week education phase, followed by six individualised sessions. The aim of this study was to examine the acceptability of the program and gather data to refine its development.
Method: Two family caregivers of adults with ABI completed the 10-week program. They were responsible for collecting and analysing observation data, implementing and monitoring strategies. Multiple assessments were conducted pre and post intervention, and at three-months follow-up using the Overt Behaviour Scale, Caregiver Appraisal Scale, a behaviour tally and purpose-developed confidence questionnaire. Semi-
25
structured interviews and questionnaires were also carried out following both the education phase and individualised sessions to gather feedback regarding participants’ experience of the program.
Results: Participants reported a reduction in frequency and intensity of BOC, high satisfaction regarding participation, and increased confidence in identifying strategies and responding to behaviours of concern. No significant change was reported in levels of caregiver burden. The program was further refined according to participant feedback and facilitator reflections.
Conclusion: These findings suggest the FDBS program may be an acceptable approach to increase competence of family caregivers in supporting behaviour change in relatives with ABI, providing recommendations for a larger scale feasibility study.
Method: Two family caregivers of adults with ABI completed the 10-week program. They were responsible for collecting and analysing observation data, implementing and monitoring strategies. Multiple assessments were conducted pre and post intervention, and at three-months follow-up using the Overt Behaviour Scale, Caregiver Appraisal Scale, a behaviour tally and purpose-developed confidence questionnaire. Semi-
25
structured interviews and questionnaires were also carried out following both the education phase and individualised sessions to gather feedback regarding participants’ experience of the program.
Results: Participants reported a reduction in frequency and intensity of BOC, high satisfaction regarding participation, and increased confidence in identifying strategies and responding to behaviours of concern. No significant change was reported in levels of caregiver burden. The program was further refined according to participant feedback and facilitator reflections.
Conclusion: These findings suggest the FDBS program may be an acceptable approach to increase competence of family caregivers in supporting behaviour change in relatives with ABI, providing recommendations for a larger scale feasibility study.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 24-25 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 |
| Event | 40th Annual Brain Impairment Conference of ASSBI: LOOKING BACK TO LOOK AHEAD: 40 YEARS OF SCIENCE, PRACTICE AND EDUCATION IN BRAIN IMPAIRMENT - Grand Hyatt Hotel, Melbourne, Australia Duration: 1 Jun 2017 → 3 Jun 2017 |
Conference
| Conference | 40th Annual Brain Impairment Conference of ASSBI |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Melbourne |
| Period | 1/06/17 → 3/06/17 |