Person-centred Use of Music in dementia: Associated changed behaviours in care homes (PUMA): a cluster randomised controlled trial: The PUMA study
The study focuses on dementia and associated changed behaviours in care home residents.
Participants will be residents with dementia and changed behaviours from 58 care homes, randomised at the cluster level in a 1:1 ratio to receive either usual care or a personalised music intervention delivered by trained Dementia Care Champions in the style of the Focussed Intervention Training and Support (FITS) model; the intervention is tailored to each resident, incorporated into care plans, and applied flexibly over 12 months.
1. Diagnosis of dementia as recorded in care records 2. Resident identified by care staff as presenting with a behavioural care need (e.g. distress, anxiety, apathy, agitation) 3. Permanent residency in a care home with continuous care provision (24 hours a day, 365 days a year) 4. Capacity to consent, or availability of a designated consultee to provide an opinion on participation 5. Involvement of a permanent care staff member who consents to participate and is supported by their manager to undergo training and deliver the intervention
1. Absence of a known diagnosis of dementia recorded in care records 2. Residents not identified by care staff as presenting with any behavioural care need (e.g. distress, anxiety, apathy, agitation) 3. Known sensitivity to music that is especially upsetting 4. Currently in respite or short-term care 5. Already receiving personalised music as part of their care plan 6. Care staff members on temporary contracts or expected to leave within the next 12 months