Challenging Behaviours in Dementia: a Project at Hornsby/Ku‐Ring‐Gai Hospital

Abstract

This paper introduces a two year study at Hornsby/Ku‐Ring‐Gai Hospital which aims to shed more light on the nature of behaviour problems in dementia, and on methods of dealing with them. Rather than trialing a standard therapeutic technique across a range of behaviours, the project attempts to reflect what is often a complex clinical situation not amenable to standard answers. A series of interventions is being instituted in a controlled trial on the assumption that each case is idiosyncratic both in aetiology and other variables which affect treatment choice. Data are collected on quantitative and qualitative aspects of each case, including presumed causes of the behaviour. Outcome is assessed two and five months after the intervention using measures of patient behaviour, and of carer distress, coping and perception of the problem.

Attainment of Competencies in Clinical Psychology Training: Ways Forward in the Australian Context

“…However, there needs to be some reflection and empirical enquiry with respect to teaching methods and models, not just assessment and intervention practices. Case studies (e.g., Bird et al., 1998) and pilot work have a place in the research literature; similarly, case studies and exploratory work play an important role advancing the scholarship of teaching within clinical training programs (Calhoun, Pilkonis, Moras, & Rehm, 1998). This is certainly emphasised in both the cube and matrix models of training.…”

An Innovative Approach to Behavioral Assessment and Intervention in Residential Care: A Service Evaluation

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