| Timeslips is a group storytelling program that encourages creative expression among dementia patients without the pressure to recall the past. Analysis of the literature was conducted to determine the nine most relevant agitation and anxiety scales most appropriate for use with Timeslips in patients with dementia, who experience agitation and anxiety. Qualitative assessment of the nine scales was conducted to identify six criteria to determine the most pertinent characteristics for implementation of Timeslips within this patient population: (1) validity/reliability, (2) observation period, (3) training required, (4) time to administer, (5) most appropriate administrator and (6) accessibility/ cost. Utilizing these six criteria, quantitative assessment was conducted using the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) to identify that the Overt Agitation Severity Scale (OASS) was optimal. A study is being planned to investigate use of the OASS with Timeslips in a long-term setting for patients with dementia, who experience agitation and anxiety. |
Updated 03/19/2014