Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) App in Supporting Medical Officers in Managing Patients on the Ward

Author Information

Mei Min Soong, Central Coast Local Health District, Australia

Abstract

Previous quantitative audits at Wyong Hospital, a 300 bed regional and teaching hospital in the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) showed that often BPSD guidelines which were on the CCLHD intranet were not adhered to and that medical officers need ready access to local guidelines and more education. Interviews with staff who were participating in Clinical aggression response team (CART) calls found that medical staff were not confident in when to and what to prescribe and what was the most appropriate management. A BPSD app with a focus on both non pharmacological and pharmacological management options was developed making evidenced based recommendations and local guidelines available at the bedside using a mobile device. This study was done to evaluate medical officer's opinion to the usability, effectiveness, barriers and facilitators in managing BPSD on the ward using the App. All junior doctors working at Wyong hospital were invited to participate in a survey to evaluate of the effectiveness of the BPSD App in supporting doctors in their role in managing patients on the ward via their work email. There were 21 respondents and the majority found the App easy to use and navigate, concise, satisfied that the App assisted them in managing BPSD on the ward, helpful and a good reference and were likely to recommend the App to their colleagues.