Doctoral Project Proposal

Student: Lydia Kim & Reina SalazarAdvisor: Sara Benham & Varleisha Gibbs

Date: 12/10/2015

IntroductionSynopsis: A pilot study

What is the Sensi-Support Program?

Site: Penn Geriatric Psychiatry Center

Problem/Need● Dementia: leading cause of disability and loss of independence

● Sleep disturbances, agitation & aggression, elopement, falls risk, etc.

● Need for non-pharmacological intervention

Research Question

Is the multisensory program entitled Sensi-Support effective and

feasible at the Penn Geriatric Psychiatry Center, as perceived by

caregivers?

Supporting Literature: Multisensory Approaches Considered best practice to use as the first mode of treatment

Effective in improving behavioral outcomes (e.g. agitation, aggression, mood)

There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of:

massage movement-based activities cooking aromatherapy meditation

Theoretical Foundation

The Ecology of Human Performance was chosen as the theoretical rationale for the study (Dunn, Brown, & McGuigan, 1994)

Theoretical Foundation

Therapeutic interventions within the Ecology of Human Performance framework

Long Term Goal

To determine whether the Sensi-Support Program is feasible and has an effect on sleep, agitation, aggression, elopement, and/or falls risk among the clients receiving services at the Penn Geriatric Psychiatry Center after 10 weeks.

Project Objectives/Purpose100% of caregivers will demonstrate proper setup and use of the iLs Dreampad pillow in

the participant’s home environment by the end of the third week of the program.

Caregivers will identify at least two sensory-based activities or forms of sensory stimulation preferred by the individual under their care by the end of the fourth week of the program.

100% of caregivers will incorporate at least two home safety recommendations in his or her home by the end of the third week of the program.

InputsTime commitment of doctoral students

Support and feedback from doctoral advisors

Dr. Steve Huege

Required Equipment

8 Dreampad pillows & MP3 players

2 scented oils (lavender & peppermint) and lotion for therapeutic massage.

Therapeutic cooking ingredients

fruits, pudding mix, milk and etc.

Activities/Methodology Evidence-based sensory activities

Home visits

Home safety recommendations

Sleep hygiene training

Data Collection

Interviews

Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI)

Weekly Questionnaires

OutputsCMAI

Weekly questionnaire

Pre and post interview

Outcomes

HypothesisThe caregivers will perceive the Sensi-Support Program as feasible and effective in improving sleep and decreasing agitation, aggression, elopement, and falls risk .

Caregivers will:

● Independently and competently set up the Dreampad pillow● Demonstrate increased awareness of loved ones’ sensory preferences● Demonstrate increased understanding of home safety

ImpactPossible positive mood change or behavioral

changes

Decreased caregiver burden

Increased awareness of their perceptions regarding the use of multisensory approaches

Potential Budget and Funding sourceFunding source: in-house grant through Genesis Cares

Budget:

7 Dreampad pillows ($159 each)

8 MP3 players for Dreampad ($4.39 each)

Therapeutic massage: aromatherapy 2 scented oils and massage lotion ($48.97)

Therapeutic cooking ingredients: ($24.64)

Total amount = $1221.73

Projected TimelineDecember 7, 2015 - IRB submission

Mid January 2016 - Initiate project, recruit, gather consent

January 2016 – Pretest: _________

January to April 2016 - Sensory activities, 3 home visits, weekly questionnaires

April 2016 - Final interview and post test: ________, data analysis

May 2016 - Present study results

Barriers/ConcernsParticipants may potentially drop out of the study

Implications for the Field of Occupational TherapyExpand knowledge base of sensory interventions for the geriatric psychiatric

population

Study findings may lead to effective, occupation-based interventions

QUESTIONS?

ReferencesDunn, W., Brown, C., & McGuigan, A. (1994). The ecology of human performance: A framework for considering the effect of context. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 48(7), 595-607. doi:10.5014/ajot.48.7.595.

Chien, L. W., Cheng, S. L., & Liu, C. F. (2012). The effect of lavender aromatherapy on autonomic nervous system in midlife women with insomnia. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012. doi: 10.1155/2012/740813.

Field, T., Diego, M., Delgado, J., & Medina, L. (2013). Tai chi/yoga reduces prenatal depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 19(1), 6-10. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.10.001.

Hill, K. H., O'Brien, K. A., & Yurt, R. W. (2007). Therapeutic efficacy of a therapeutic cooking group from the patients' perspective. Journal of Burn Care & Research, 28(2), 324-327.

Narme, P., Clement, S., Ehrle, N., Schiaratura, L., Vachez, S., Courtaigne, B., Munsch, F., & Samson, S. (2013). Efficacy of musical interventions in dementia: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 38(2), 359-369. doi: 10.3233/JAD-130893.

Sharpe, P. A., Williams, H. G., Granner, M. L., Hussey, J. R. (2007). A randomised study of the effects of massage therapy compared to guided relaxation on well-being and stress perception among older adults. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 15(3), 157-163.

Vink, A. C., Zuidersma, M., Boersma, F., de Jonge, P., Zuidema, S. U., & Slaets, J. P. J. (2013). The effect of music therapy compared with general recreational activities in reducing agitation in people with dementia: A randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28, 1031–1038. doi:10.1002/gps.3924.

Woods, D. L., Craven, R. F., & Whitney, J. (2005). The effect of therapeutic touch on behavioral symptoms of persons with dementia. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 11(1), 66-74.

World Health Organization. (2015). Dementia (Fact sheet No. 362). Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs362/en/.