Prevention and reduction of involuntary treatment at home: A feasibility study of the PRITAH intervention.

ABSTRACT

Sometimes care is provided to a cognitively impaired person against the person's will, referred to as involuntary treatment. We developed the PRITAH intervention, aimed at prevention and reduction of involuntary treatment at home. PRITAH consists of a policy discouraging involuntary treatment, workshops, coaching by a specialized nurse and alternative interventions. A feasibility study was conducted including 30 professional caregivers. Feasibility was assessed by attendance lists (reach), a logbook (dose delivered and fidelity), evaluation questionnaires and focus group interviews (dose received, satisfaction & barriers). The workshops and coach were positively evaluated and the average attendance rate was 73%. Participants gained more awareness and knowledge and received practical tips and advice to prevent involuntary treatment. Implementation of the intervention was feasible with minor deviations from protocol. Recommendations for improvement included more emphasis on involvement of family caregivers and general practitioners and development of an extensive guideline to comply with the policy.