Date of Award

Spring 2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Abstract

Abstract

The aim of this evidence-based practice (EBP) intervention project was to decrease agitated behaviors in residents with dementia as well as educate the staff on the proper implementation of doll therapy. The facility used was a local skilled nursing and rehabilitation center that offers short-term and long-term care processes to residents with dementia. A sample of residents with dementia (N = 8) and staff caring for the residents (N = 14) participated in the project. Residents and staff were evaluated before the EBP project and four weeks after the education program on introduction to EBP. Despite the limited sample size of the residents with dementia, the findings showed that doll therapy as an EBP project was effective in decreasing agitated behaviors in dementia residents. Similarly, findings showed that the education of nursing staff on the proper implementation of doll therapy was effective. Educational material was presented to the staff regarding how to implement doll therapy. In addition, a written protocol for doll therapy was developed and made available to the staff for their use.

Keywords: doll therapy, dementia, evidence-based practice, residents, implementation,

Signature Form.docx (47 kB)
DNP Translational Research and Clinical Project Final Approval Form

DNP appointment form Lary-Waller.pdf (62 kB)
DNP Form with All Signatures

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

COinS