Outcomes of Team-Centered, Occupational Adaptation-Based Versus Traditional Dementia Workforce Training

Background. Dementia workforce training aligned with Occupational Adaptation (OA) theory may facilitate teams resolving challenges in the care environment more than traditional skills-based (SB) training, although comparisons are needed. Purpose. This pilot study compared effectiveness of an OA and SB program on relative mastery and team development for dementia care teams at a continuing care retirement community. Method. In a quasi-experimental study, employees underwent nine sessions in an OA or SB program. Relative Mastery Measurement Scale and Team Development Measure results were collected pre-, mid-, post-intervention. A 3 × 2 ANOVA determined differences in group score changes across time. Findings. Data from 28 employees (14/group) showed group-by-time interaction reached statistical significance for both relative mastery (F = 3.17, df = 2, p = .05) and team development (F = 8.38, df = 2, p = .001). Implications. OA-based training may improve dementia care teams' collaborative mastery over real-world challenges. While preliminary findings inform program developers, further research must explore clinical effectiveness.