A psychoeducational program for nursing staff managing problematic behaviors of elderly nursing home residents in Taiwan

Abstract 

This quasi-experimental study assessed the influence of a psychoeducational train ing program on the knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy of nursing home staff (nursing aides [NAs] and registered nurses [RNs]) regarding elderly residents and the management of their problematic behaviors. The training, which was conducted in northern Taiwan, was based on self-directed learning theory. Participants were divided into experimental (n = 130) and control (n = 140) groups. Staff's knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy were assessed before, immediately after, and 3 months after the program. Total knowledge improved significantly in all participants. For RNs, attitudes toward residents with disruptive behaviors and self-efficacy in managing these behaviors also improved, but these improvements were not maintained. These findings indicate that cognition is not the only factor influencing attitudes and self-efficacy.