Effective Communication with People with Dementia: An Exploratory Study of Pre-registration Occupational Therapy Students

Samita Kirve, Royal Holloway University of London; Oxford Brookes UniversityFollow
Lucy Perkins, Oxford Brookes University; Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustFollow

Document Type (Journals)

Original Research

Abstract

Dementia is a major global concern, with 50 million people already affected worldwide in 2018, and this number is expected to triple by 2050. Healthcare practitioners, specifically occupational therapists, are responsible for providing care and ensuring the well-being of people with dementia. However, occupational therapy students may not always have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively communicate and support dementia patients, which could negatively impact the quality of care they provide. To explore this issue, a study was conducted with final-year pre-registration occupational therapy students at a public university in England. The study used a qualitative methodology, with semi-structured interviews of students. The objective was to understand the perspective of their learning experiences about communicating with dementia patients. The analysis revealed three main themes: dementia content and teaching methods, gaps in learning about communication with people with dementia, and limited placement opportunities. The study also encouraged occupational therapy students' suggestions for improving the curriculum for future students. The findings also contributed to existing literature in the field and suggested areas for further research.

Biography

Samita Kirve, MSc (Dementia Studies), BSc (Occupational Therapy), FHEA, PGCAP, MRCOT is a Senior Lecturer and Occupational Therapist with over 25 years of clinical and academic experience. She is passionate about working with people with dementia. She holds a Master's degree in Dementia Studies from the University of Bradford, UK, and is an approved practitioner of Dementia Care Mapping. Currently, she works as a Senior Lecturer and Course Director for MSc (pre-reg) Occupational Therapy program at Royal Holloway University of London, UK and is a Visiting Researcher at Oxford Brookes University. She is also completing a PhD in Dementia Studies at University of Worcester, UK.

Lucy Perkins, BSc (Psychology), MSc (Pre-registration Occupational Therapy) was awarded a BSc (Honors) in Psychology, during which time she completed a placement year at a care home specialising in dementia. This experience sparked her avid interest in the needs and support for this population. She developed a particular focus on the educational needs of healthcare students regarding dementia and communication. Subsequently, Lucy completed MSc (pre-registration) Occupational Therapy at Oxford Brookes University in 2023 and now works in rehabilitation and stroke care in the National Health Service in the UK.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Recommended Citation

Kirve, S., & Perkins, L. (2024). Effective Communication with People with Dementia: An Exploratory Study of Pre-registration Occupational Therapy Students. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 8 (3). https://doi.org/10.26681/jote.2024.080304