Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Development of a Virtual Reality Assessment of Everyday Living Skills
Published on: April 23, 2014
Assessing nursing assistants' knowledge of behavioral approaches to mental health problems
D L Spore1, M A Smyer, M D Cohn
1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802.
Abstract:
Nurse's aides are the primary caregivers in nursing homes, a major receiving site for elders with behavioral and psychiatric problems. We describe the development, psychometric properties, and utility of a brief instrument designed to assess aides' knowledge of three specific mental health problems (depression, agitation, and disorientation) and behavioral approaches to them. The instrument was administered to 191 nurse's aides and 21 clinicians with training in behavioral management and experience with older residents. The nurse's aides averaged 11 of 17 correct answers, and the clinicians averaged 15 of 17 correct answers. Implications for staff training and consultation activities in nursing homes are discussed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process I: Assessment and Diagnosis
The nursing process considers the patient's emotional and physical well-being. The process can be repeated or stopped at any point if judged essential. Assessment is the first step in the nursing process.
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching I: Assessment and Diagnosis
It is critical to determine the patient's learning needs during the assessment. Determination of learning needs compounds data from the...
Nursing Assessment
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments and...
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...

