BEHAVIORAL-ANALYSIS AND NURSING INTERVENTIONS FOR REDUCING DISRUPTIVEBEHAVIORS OF PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA

In this study, two cases were used to examine the potential of behavio ral analysis as an intervention to decrease disruptive behaviors of in stitutionalized individuals with dementia, Behavioral modeling was use d to teach the principles of behavioral analysis. The nurses observed a behavior change plan implemented by the investigator, revised the pl an based on behavioral analysis techniques, and subsequently implement ed the revised behavioral strategies. The patients' disruptive behavio rs decreased markedly when the behavioral intervention was implemented . Patients resumed disruptive behaviors when care was provided without the behavioral plan, The findings suggest the need to address interve ntions in nursing research, education, and practice that use behaviora l analysis to reduce disruptive behaviors in individuals with dementia . (C) 1995 by W.B. Saunders Company.