Development of a new tool for the early identification of communication-support needs in people living with dementia: An Australian face-validation study
Corresponding Author
Luisa Krein MA (Speech Pathology)
Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Correspondence
Luisa Krein, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sydney, 88 Mallett St, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorYun-Hee Jeon BHSc (Nursing), MN (Research), PhD
Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAmanda Miller Amberber BAppSc (Speech Pathology), MA (Linguistics), PhD
School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Luisa Krein MA (Speech Pathology)
Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Correspondence
Luisa Krein, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sydney, 88 Mallett St, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorYun-Hee Jeon BHSc (Nursing), MN (Research), PhD
Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAmanda Miller Amberber BAppSc (Speech Pathology), MA (Linguistics), PhD
School of Community Health, Charles Sturt University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Language and communication difficulties are common in dementia but limited tools are available for a timely assessment of those individuals who experience these difficulties. The Communication-Support Needs Assessment Tool in Dementia (CoSNAT-D) was developed to assist in (a) the early identification of communication difficulties among people with dementia in the community context; and (b) determining the level of their communication support needs to guide appropriate service access. The CoSNAT-D was developed based on a literature review. The face validity was tested with end-users (people with dementia and support persons of people with dementia) regarding relevance, wording, syntax, appropriateness and comprehensiveness of the items of the tool. Data were collected using semi-structured phone interviews. Seven people with dementia and 15 carers participated in the study. Feedback regarding items' appropriateness was largely positive and minor changes were made to improve comprehensiveness. A new item was added to the original item pool. The interviews highlighted the importance of including people with dementia in the assessment processes and person-centered approaches in this context. The CoSNAT-D presents a first step for the early identification of individual support needs of people living with dementia and communication difficulties who live in the community. Items of the CoSNAT-D have been determined face-valid by end-users. The face-validated version of the tool is currently undergoing further testing to determine additional relevant psychometric properties.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None of the authors have conflicts of interest.
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