A qualitative analysis of trainer/coach experiences of changing care home practice in the Well-being and Health in Dementia (WHELD) randomised control trial

Azucena Guzman, Lucy Garrod (Lead Author), Jane Fossey, Ingrid Testad

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Objectives: This study explored the experiences of a range of health and social care professionals employed in the role of trainer/coaches to support care home staff to implement a psychosocial intervention for residents living with dementia. It aimed to identify the factors which are pertinent to the success of these roles, in the context of a cascade model of training.

Method: A focus group involving dementia trainer/coaches and supervisors who had worked on the Well-being and Health for People with Dementia (WHELD) randomised control trial in delivering and support of the “WHELD Therapist” role was convened. Twelve participants explored their preparedness for and experiences of the role. They reflected on their perceptions of the resources and support required .The data was transcribed verbatim and subjected to inductive thematic analysis.

Results: Three main themes emerged from the data. Within the theme of “skills in relationship building” were two subthemes of developing trust and getting to know individual staff and each care home. In the second main theme of “using tangible resources” two subthemes relating to using training manuals and receiving their own supervision arose. The third theme, “being an agent for change”, contained three subthemes concerning the use of effective training methods, creating opportunities for care staff who were their coachees to reflect and rewards of the WHELD therapist role .

Conclusion: The findings provide new insights into the trainer/coach role applicable to the practices of services recruiting, training and providing ongoing professional support to practitioners in-reaching into care homes.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages16
JournalDementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice
Early online date26 Apr 2018
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 26 Apr 2018

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • dementia
  • care homes
  • trainers
  • coaches
  • psychosocial intervention

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