A strengths based approach in a study of facilitated reminiscence
Year: 2017

School of Nursing Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University..Email Address: ea.laird@ulster.ac.uk..Street Address: Northland Road..Postal Code: BT48 7JL..City: Derry..Country: Northern Ireland..Phone Number: 028 71675006TITLEA strengths based approach in a study of facilitated reminiscence ABSTRACT AimTo highlight the ethical issues that we encountered and addressed in a dyad focused reminiscence study Background Without due attention, ageism and dementia ism on the part of researchers can contribute to the malignant social psychology experienced by older adults living with dementia.Strengths based approach Our study, underpinned by values of personhood and empowerment focused on the strengths of older adults in the development of an i Pad App to support individual specific reminiscence. In a joint approach, adults living with dementia and their family carers were considered dyads, with both having an equally active role throughout the entire research process. Collaborators in the planning of the study encompassed a lead dyad, reminiscence experts, and professionals employed in statutory memory services and the Alzheimer's Society. Three phased studyPhase 1: The co creation and testing of a reminiscence i Pad App and user friendly information by a User Development Group comprising a sample of six dyads. A sample of 60 participants (30 dyads) recruited to a quasi experimental study received guidance about facilitating reminiscence and the collection of memorabilia from trainers of the Reminiscence Network Northern Ireland, and training from an IT assistant in the use of the App to reminisce. Following this, the participants used the system in their own homes for three months. Data were collected pre intervention and then at mid and end points during the intervention period. Outcome measures examined the impact of reminiscence on mutuality, wellbeing, quality of life and quality of the care giving relationship.  In a qualitative study, interviews were conducted with a sample of participants to explore their views and experience of using the reminiscence App. Ethical issues Each phase of the study presented the research team with ethical issues, and these will form the basis for the presentation. Ethical issues included: 1. Embracing inclusive ways in planning the study2. Developing sensitive use of language and rhetoric in verbal and written communications3. Utilising a co creation model in the development and testing of the App and study documentation, and doing so in such a way that met the requirements of the ethics committees.4. Developing recruitment procedures that were appropriate, inclusive and not paternalistic.5. Managing the different needs of adults living with dementia and their carers in the context of a dyad focused research study.6. Facilitating informed consent in all stages of the study and in the presence of some aspects of cognitive decline.7. Observing a reappraisal of past painful memories. 8. Conducting interviews involving sensitive issues 9. Responding to disclosures about past events in situations where the adult living with dementia and the carer have different views on how to proceed.ConclusionThis study highlights how potential ethical challenges in a research study involving older adults living with dementia can be overcome through user engagement and reasonable adjustments. Such measures have facilitated the involvement of older adults living with dementia and their carers in the co creation and utilisation of technology to positively impact quality of life and relationship. AUTHORSAssumpta Ryan, Brendan Bunting, Maurice Mulvenna, Kevin Curran, Elizabeth Laird, Claire McCauley, Aideen Gibson, Finola Ferry, Raymond BondUlster University.