- Albrecht, Tammi;
- Schroeder, Molly;
- LeCaire, Tamara;
- Endicott, Sarah;
- Marschall, Katelyn;
- Felten, Kristen;
- Sayavedra, Noelia;
- Russmann, Sydney;
- Kern, Vince;
- Blazek, Mary;
- Kales, Helen;
- Carlsson, Cynthia;
- Mahoney, Jane;
- Walaszek, Art
Most persons living with dementia (PLWD) exhibit behavioral or psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) over the course of the illness. The DICE Approach (DICE) is a framework that enables caregivers to identify, evaluate, and manage BPSD. This pilot pre-post test study examined the effects of DICE training on dementia care professionals self-efficacy, knowledge, and attitudes regarding care of patients with BPSD. Participants underwent either in-person DICE training or, during the pandemic, online training. Case consultations were offered as additional learning opportunities in challenging situations. Of 134 participants in the trainings, 122 (91.0%) provided survey data for one or more instruments before and after training. Participants experienced significant improvement in knowledge and attitudes with respect to BPSD and improvement in self-efficacy with respect to helping caregivers respond to BPSD. Training dementia care professionals in DICE can improve their capacity to support caregivers in the management of BPSD.