Tailored Activity Program (TAP-BR): Proposition of an outpatient care version and evaluation of its impacts on dementia - A pilot study

Abstract

Introduction The Tailored Activity Program (TAP-BR) is an occupational therapy intervention program that presents promising results in reducing the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Objectives To propose adaptations to the TAP-BR to create an outpatient care version of this program and assess its impact and applicability. Methods The TAP-BR was adapted for use and application in an outpatient care setting, and the applicability of this version was assessed according to the perception of occupational therapy interns and family caregivers. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS 21) were used as outcome measures to evaluate the impact of the adapted version. Results The following changes in the application process of the TAP-BR were proposed for its outpatient format: adaptation of terms in the Intervention Manual and in the Documentation Folder; adequacy of the environmental assessment to be carried out based on an interview with the caregiver; reduction in session duration from 90 to 60 min. From the point of view of the interns and family caregivers, the program can be easily applied. The outcome measures showed that there was improvement in caregiver distress in relation to the BPSD of the older persons with dementia (Cohen’s d=0.49) and in their emotional state (Cohen’s d=0.59), especially regarding the variable depression (Cohen’s d=0.81). Conclusion: The outpatient version of TAP-BR can be easily applied, has a positive impact on reducing the BPSD in older people, and improves the emotional state of caregivers, with emphasis on the variable depression.