Marie Savundranayagam, School of Health Studies, Western University
2016 – ongoing

Background

This study assesses a person-centred training program for personal support workers (PSWs) who care for clients with dementia. Be EPIC focuses on assessing the [E]nvironment, using [P]erson-centred communication, enhancing client relationships ([I] matter too), and incorporating the [C]lient’s abilities, life history and preferences into routine care.

The study includes self-monitoring; supervised practice with simulated patients and day program clients; and feedback/support from peers, simulated patients, and trainers. Feasibility was assessed post-training using semi-structured interviews with the 11 PSWs enrolled. This study looks at acceptability, implementation, practicability, demand, and preliminary efficacy.

Findings

Facilitators for attending training included support to attend, personal motivation, employers, family, and research staff. Barriers were at employer and government levels.

The findings support the feasibility of Be EPIC and highlighted some barriers from employers and government that must be addressed to ensure that clients with dementia receive person-centred care.

Dr. Savundranayagam has been awarded a grant from the Future Skills Centre to expand the Be EPIC training program to include PSWs who work in long-term care or home care.

Dissemination

Papers/Articles

1. Savundranayagam, M. Y., Basque, S., & Johnson, K. (2019). Feasibility of a dementia-focused person-centred communication intervention for home care workers. Clinical Gerontologist. DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2019.1694116

Posters/Presentations

1. Savundranayagam, M. Y., Williams, K. N., Basque, S., Orange, JB., Kloseck, M. Schmall, V. & Johnson, K. (2019). The impact of the Be EPIC: A person-centred communication intervention for home care workers. Gerontological Society of America, Austin, TX. Nov 16, 2019. (Oral presentation)
2. Savundranayagam M.Y., Basque, S., & Johnson, K. (2018). Feasibility of Be EPIC: A dementia-focused person-centred communication intervention for home care workers. Gerontological Society of America (GSA). Boston, Nov 14-18, 2018. (Poster)
3. Savundranayagam, M. Y. (2017). Improving Caregiving Relationships through Improved Communications. Western University Faculty of Health Sciences Homecoming Lecture, October 21, 2017, London, ON (Oral presentation)

If you have any questions, please contact Steve Crawford, CEO, McCormick Care Group, at 519-432-2648 ext. 2319, or by e-mail at scrawford@mccormickcare.ca