Which factors affect healthcare professionals’ person-centred attitudes in dementia?

Kane, Laura (2019) Which factors affect healthcare professionals’ person-centred attitudes in dementia? Teeside University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This study examined which factors affect healthcare professionals’ person-centred care (PCC) attitudes in dementia. The design was quasi-experimental, independent measures with three independent variables: burnout, job strain and PCC environment. The dependent variable was PCC attitudes. There were 59 participants, 8 males and 51 females [M = 36.39, SD = 12.00]; the age range was 19-60 years. Burnout was measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (Maslach & Jackson, 1986), job strain was measured by the Strain in Dementia Care Scale)-Section 1 (Edberg, Anderson, Wallin & Bird, 2015) and person-centred organisation/environment was measured using the Person-Directed Care -Environment subscale (White, Newton-Curtis & Lyons, 2008).The dependent variable was measured by the Attitudes Towards Dementia Questionnaire -Personhood Scale (Lintern & Wood, 1996). Multiple regression analysis showed that high burnout increased PCC attitudes and high job strain decreased PCC attitudes. PCC environment did not significantly affect PCC attitudes. Overall the results were congruent with previous literature. This study adds to a limited knowledge base, highlighting how factors such as job strain can significantly reduce PCC attitudes, and demonstrating the need for effective interventions to reduce the potentially detrimental influence of job strain on PCC. This study also highlights the importance of perceived personal/professional accomplishment as a buffer against the negative effects of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation, and as a precipitator of PCC attitudes.