Informal antidepressant strategies for nursing home residents: two group concept mapping studies

I.A.H. Knippenberg, R. Leontjevas, S.T. Stoyanov, Anke Persoon, P. Verboon, Hester Vermeulen, J.J.D.M. van Lankveld, Debby Gerritsen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Objectives
To identify and structure potential informal antidepressant strategies that can be used in daily practice for nursing home residents alongside formal treatments.

Methods
In a first Group Concept Mapping study, residents, relatives, and professional caregivers (N = 124) brainstormed on strategies residents could use to prevent or alleviate depression. In a second study, the same participants (N = 110) reported strategies for use by others. Furthermore, participants rated the expected effectiveness and feasibility of the suggested strategies. Simultaneously, all strategies were sorted by experts and clustered using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis.

Results
Six clusters emerged for strategies by residents themselves and five clusters for strategies by others. For residents’ strategies, the clusters Being socially connected and Participating in activities were perceived as most effective, as was the cluster Offering personal attention for strategies by others. Participants perceived Creating a healthy living environment as the most feasible cluster executed by residents. Within strategies by others, the clusters Offering personal attention, Using positive treatment/approach, and Using or adapting the physical environment were perceived as the most feasible.

Conclusion
The results indicated the importance of social connectedness, a personalized and positive approach by significant others, and tailored activity programs. The results also suggest that adaptations to the physical environment within nursing homes may be an easy applicable strategy to prevent or alleviate depression in residents. Although more research is needed, these findings may guide daily practice and the development of interventions that include informal strategies.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)251-262
Number of pages12
JournalAging & Mental Health
Volume27
Issue number2
Early online date4 Apr 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2023

Keywords

  • ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION
  • CARE HOMES
  • DEMENTIA
  • DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS
  • Depression
  • HEALTH
  • OLDER-PEOPLE
  • PERSON-CENTEREDNESS
  • PREVALENCE
  • QUALITY
  • RISK-FACTORS
  • group concept mapping
  • informal antidepressant strategies
  • mood
  • nursing home

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