Communication support needs assessment in dementia (CoSNAT-D): An international content validation study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Speech and Language Therapy

Background:

• Dementia significantly impairs language and communication, affecting daily life and social participation.
• Communication rehabilitation is often overlooked in dementia care despite evidence supporting its benefits.
• Existing assessment tools may not fully capture the multifaceted communication needs of individuals with dementia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the content validation of a novel tool, the Communication Support Needs Assessment Tool for Dementia (CoSNAT-D).
• To develop a tool that assists in identifying communication difficulties and support needs in people with dementia.
• To introduce a unique three-way assessment approach involving the person with dementia, their carer, and a healthcare professional.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi approach was used for content validation between September and December 2018.
• An international expert panel (n=28) rated 32 items for importance and relevance.
• Consensus was defined as 70% agreement; data analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis.

Main Results:

• The pilot version of the CoSNAT-D demonstrated adequate content and face validity.
• Consensus was established for 35 out of 37 items across three Delphi rounds.
• Qualitative analysis led to the addition of five items, with three reaching consensus.

Conclusions:

• The CoSNAT-D shows promise in assisting healthcare professionals to identify communication needs in dementia.
• This tool can aid decision-making for management strategies, potentially improving care pathways.
• Further research is recommended to establish the psychometric properties of the CoSNAT-D.