Assessing Determinants of Perceived Quality in Transitions for People with Dementia: a Prospective Observational Study

Authors

  • Neil Drummond University of Alberta; University of Calgary
  • Lynn McCleary Brock University
  • Linda Garcia University of Ottawa
  • Katherine McGilton University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital
  • Frank Molnar University of Ottawa
  • William Dalziel University of Ottawa
  • Tracy Jing Xu Alberta Health Services
  • Diana Turner Alberta Health Services
  • Jean Triscott Alberta Health Services
  • Elizabeth Freiheit University of Michigan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.22.332

Keywords:

aged care, quality of life (QoL), dementia, carers, primary care

Abstract

Background

The trajectory of dementia through time is characterized by common transitions which are difficult for persons with dementia (PWDs) and their families and friends. Our study sought to identify determinants for the quality of transition outcomes.

Method

A 24-month, prospective, longitudinal design identified specific transitions as they occurred in 108 person-with-dementia/caregiver dyads, and assessed the perceived transition quality from the perspective of the caregiver and what we denote as the ‘summative’ transition quality outcome variable (as explained in the Data Processing section under Methods).

Results

Among caregivers and during the authors’ deliberations of the summative transition quality outcomes, good transition quality was associated with the PWD’s baseline Disability Assessment for Dementia (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06 per increase in percent score based on summative assessments), and with the PWD’s higher baseline quality of life scores (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.18 per increase in unit of score in QOL-AD based on summative assessments). Caregiver-perceived better outcome quality was associated with lower caregiver burden, (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99 per unit CBI score increase).

Conclusion

Identifying determinants of successful transitions is feasible and may be translated into practical guidance for use in clinical encounters. Those with worse prior quality of life or worse performance in activities of daily living appear to require specific support during transitions, as do those whose caregivers report higher levels of burden.

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Published

2019-03-04

How to Cite

1.
Drummond N, McCleary L, Garcia L, McGilton K, Molnar F, Dalziel W, Xu TJ, Turner D, Triscott J, Freiheit E. Assessing Determinants of Perceived Quality in Transitions for People with Dementia: a Prospective Observational Study. Can Geriatr J [Internet]. 2019 Mar. 4 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];22(1):13-22. Available from: https://cgjonline.ca/index.php/cgj/article/view/332

Issue

Section

Original Research