Psychogeriatric client identification project : phase 1 - final report

The Psychogeriatric Client Identification Project, contracted by the Continuing Care Division and conducted by the Gerontology Research Centre at Simon Fraser University, provides a comprehensive description of the diverse client groups that are typically included under the umbrella term, "psychogeriatric." Traditionally, psychogeriatric clients have been categorized according to medical diagnoses. The current research project adopted a different approach to identifying client needs by using an inclusive definition of the psychogeriatric population and by describing clients in relation to both behavioural characteristics and diagnosis. The focus of the project was on identifying the unique characteristics, behaviours and corresponding needs of client subgroups for the purpose of planning and delivering appropriate services. The specific project objectives were to: 1. describe the characteristics of the various psychogeriatric subgroups, with particular emphasis on behaviours that pose significant care and management challenges within facility and community settings; 2. summarize statistical information on prevalence and projected numbers for British Columbia for the various subgroups; and 3. identify the availability of a model of psychogeriatric care and services that could be applied to policy development and resource planning.Table of Contents: Executive Summary; INTRODUCTION 1: A. Background and Project Objectives; B. Definition of Terms and Behavioural Classification Scheme; C. Report Organization. LITERATURE REVIEW & EPIDEMIOLOGIC/STATISTICAL DATA: A. Introduction; B. PART 1 - Problem Behaviours; Multi-Category Studies: Community; Multi-Category Studies: Institution; Agitated! Aggressive Behaviour; Physical; Verbal; Agitated/Non-Aggressive-Physical; Agitated/Non-Aggressive-Verbal; Ideational; Emotional/Affective Disturbance; Socially Unacceptable Behaviour; Problematic ADLs/Coping Strategies. C. PART 2 - Client Identification by Psychiatric Diagnosis: Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders: Dementia; Delirium; Mood Disorders; Anxiety Disorders; Schizophrenia and Paranoia; Substance Dependence/Abuse. D. Summary and Conclusions. CONSULTATION PROCESS: A. Research Design/Methods; B. The Sample: Key Informant Survey Participants; Focus Group Participants; C. Data Collection and Analysis. IV RESEARCH FINDINGS: Key Informant Survey: A. Characteristics of Survey Respondents; B. Agency Characteristics; C. Description of Client Characteristics/Behavioural Disturbances and Service Response; D. Most Problematic Client Behaviours; E. Assessment of Facility and Community-Based Resources/Needs; F. Description of Behavioural Disturbance Categories/Groupings; G. Behavioural Disturbance Frequency Ratings; H. Behavioural Disturbance Difficulty Ratings; I. Behaviour Management Difficulty Ratings; J. Specialized Programs/Approaches and Suggested Improvements; K. Utility of Behavioural Classification Scheme; L. Suggested Program Improvements; Focus Group Sessions; M. Summary of Focus Group Results: BC Caregivers' Support Group; Frontline Direct Care Nursing Staff. V CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: A. BC Prevalence Estimates by Diagnoses; B. Recommendations Related to Client Subgroups and Resource Needs; C. Recommendations for Future Study. REFERENCES; APPENDICES