PPCI for Dementia

(PPCI Trial)

Overseen by Anju Paudel, Assistant Professor

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Penn State University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a program called Promoting Positive Care Interactions (PPCI) to improve how staff in assisted living facilities interact with residents who have dementia. The program includes setting goals, assessing the environment, educating staff, and providing ongoing support. It aims to replace negative interactions with positive ones, benefiting both residents and staff.

Research Team

Anju Paudel, Assistant Professor

Principal Investigator

Penn State University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for assisted living facilities with 20+ beds willing to partner in practice change, and their staff who speak English and work at least 16 hours weekly. It's also for residents aged 65+, diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia (ADRD), having specific scores on a mental status exam indicating ADRD.

Inclusion Criteria

I work at least 16 hours a week in nursing, activities, housekeeping, or dining services and can communicate in English.

My care facility is large, has a leader for change, and is open to new practices.

I am 65 or older, live in a facility, and have a diagnosis of ADRD with a low SLUMS score.

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 65, not living in a facility, and do not have a diagnosis or low SLUMS score indicating ADRD.

My care facility is small and cannot or will not commit to new health initiatives.

I work less than 16 hours a week or cannot communicate in English.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• PPCI-Staff Education Only (EO) (Behavioral Intervention)
• Promoting Positive Care Interactions (PPCI) (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests the Promoting Positive Care Interactions (PPCI) program aiming to improve interactions between staff and residents with ADRD in assisted living. PPCI includes goal setting, assessing policies, flexible education for staff, plus ongoing mentorship through visits and texts.

Participant Groups

Group I: PPCI Arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The ALF/PCH assigned as treatments will receive the four steps of PPCI including, stakeholder engagement and facility goal development, environment and policy assessment, staff education, and ongoing mentorship/motivation and support over a period of six-months by a research nurse facilitator (RNF), a registered nurse (RN) with prior experience in long-term care. The RNF will work with an identified internal/facility champion monthly to implement the four steps of PPCI.

Group II: PPCI-Staff Education Only Arm Active Control 1 Intervention

The ALF/PCH assigned as controls will receive PPCI-staff education only (EO). The EO will include a 30-45 min in-service session and monthly f/u visits for booster education. The education content and process will be the same as outlined in Step 3 of the PPCI for treatment sites.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Penn State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

380

Recruited

131,000+

Lindsay A. Rosenwald

Penn State University

Chief Medical Officer since 2013

MD from Temple University School of Medicine

Scott Tarriff

Penn State University

Chief Executive Officer since 2007

B.S. in Marketing from Pennsylvania State University, MBA from Rider College