Decreasing aggressive, agitated, or disruptive behavior: perticipation in a behavior management unit

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Behavioral Science
• Long-term care nursing

Background:

• Dementia patients often exhibit aggressive, agitated, and disruptive (AAD) behaviors.
• Long-term care facilities require specialized approaches for managing AAD behaviors.
• A dedicated Behavior Management Unit (BMU) was established to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a Behavior Management Program (BMP) in reducing AAD behaviors.
• To assess the impact of the BMP on the frequency and severity of specific AAD behaviors.
• To provide evidence-based strategies for managing AAD behaviors in dementia care.

Main Methods:

• A 32-bed Behavior Management Unit (BMU) was utilized for the study.
• The sample comprised 32 dementia patients residing in the BMU for at least 3 months.
• Data on AAD behaviors were collected using the Nursing Home Behavior Problem Scale (NHBPS) at baseline and 6-month intervals.

Main Results:

• The BMP significantly decreased the total number of AAD behaviors from baseline to 6 months.
• Seven specific AAD behaviors were significantly reduced by the 6-month measurement.
• Interventions such as verbal distraction, time-outs, and environmental management proved effective.

Conclusions:

• The Behavior Management Program (BMP) is effective in decreasing aggressive, agitated, and disruptive behaviors in dementia patients.
• Targeted interventions within a specialized unit can improve behavioral outcomes for dementia residents.
• Findings offer valuable insights for long-term care staff managing patients with AAD behaviors.