Description
Abstract:Background: A systematic review and psychometric evaluation of existing resilience measurement scales used with people living with dementia and their carers revealed a lack of resilience measures designed specifically with and for people living with dementia. In response, we have developed a new outcome measure of resilience for people living with dementia, with involvement of people living with dementia throughout the process.
Methods: The work follows rigorous methodology for developing health measurement scales including developing a new conceptual framework of resilience for people living with dementia; using the conceptual framework to draft items and pilot test the face and content validity with professionals, people living with dementia and their carers; and preliminary field-testing and psychometric evaluation (construct validity, internal consistency and convergent validity with other measures).
Results: Development of the conceptual model suggests resilience as a multi-level construct that may be achieved by drawing on resources including psychological strengths; practical approaches to adapting to life with dementia; continuing with hobbies, interests and activities; strong relationships with family and friends; peer support and education; participating in community activities; and support from healthcare profes¬sionals. A process of item generation, assessment and refinement provided 63 items. These were explored through interviews with people living with dementia, with detailed feedback leading to removal of items and resulting in a 37-item draft measure. Preliminary field-testing of the draft measure with 193 people living with dementia led to a final 19-item measure.
Conclusion: The Bangor Dementia Resilience Scale provides a new strengths-based measure that may be a valuable tool towards provision of good person-centred care and support for people living with dementia, as well as for measuring positive responses to services and interventions.
| Period | 6 Nov 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event title | NHS Wales Dementia Care Research Conference |
| Event type | Conference |
| Degree of Recognition | National |