Observations on strategies used by people with dementia to manage being assessed using validated measures: A pilot qualitative video analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background Analysis of video data was conducted of validated assessments with people with dementia as part of a feasibility control study comparing a lifelong learning service with other dementia services. Objective The aim was to provide a new perspective on what occurs during the assessment process when using validated measures in research and explore which strategies people with dementia use to manage their participation. Design Video recordings were made of pre‐ and postintervention assessments of people with dementia. An initial pilot analysis of 10 videos of the pre‐assessments was conducted. Setting Lifelong learning services and other dementia services situated in six municipalities in Northern Denmark took part in this study, with 55 people with dementia participating. Results The themes identified were: ‘State of mind’ and ‘Mental resources’, showing how these aspects influenced the participants' reactions and the strategies they used. Discussion The results are discussed in relation to how individual personality traits influence the assessment process and the way a person with dementia will manage the situation. Conclusion The assessment situation is complex and can be influenced by the strategies adopted by individuals with dementia as they try to manage the assessment process. Patient or Public Contribution People with dementia supported the decision‐making for the choice of validated measure used within this study.

Keywords

• dementia
• involvement
• lifelong learning
• observation
• validated measures
• video