A mixed methods study to understand behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia

Abstract

This project aims to understand Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), specifically, identify location-related factors influencing BPSD at the individual level in the nursing home setting by means of a mixed methods approach facilitated by Indoor Positioning System (IPS). The use of a mixed methods approach fits with the “pragmatism” research paradigm in ergonomics. Previous research has identified some factors influencing BPSD by observations, interviews and multidisciplinary meetings; however, the data supporting the previous findings are mainly subjective. IPS will keep track of the location data of each People with Dementia (PwD) and the caregivers over time in this project. Therefore, we could generate objective data for location-related factors, which could influence BPSD for each PwD in the nursing home setting. The caregivers will analyze the data collected by IPS together with the researcher, by reflecting on their own experiences. As such, both quantitative and qualitative data will be generated and analyzed together to identify location-related factors influencing BPSD for each PwD participant. This is the first project to collect objective data for understanding BPSD. This research protocol discusses the rationale behind this project; the mixed methods approach to be applied in this project, and the impact of this project’s outcomes.