Examining the impact of fictional life story of resident with dementia on staff levels of empathy, self-confidence, workload burden and perception of resident: A cross-sectional survey in long-term care communities.

Objectives: Determine the impact of fictional life story on staff members levels of empathy, self-confidence, workload burden and perception of resident before the implementation of care for new resident with dementia in long-term care community.
Methods: An online cross-sectional survey based on two fictive clinical vignettes was used: one vignette described a resident with typical medical information (e.g. level of autonomy, health status, medication…), while the other contained typical medical information and life story information. The two vignettes were visually similar. The order in which vignettes were read was counterbalanced. Staff members (n= 95) were asked to consider the care needed by these residents and to assess, with a visual analogue scale, the amount of useful information provided by vignettes, their self-confidence and level of empathy, their perception of the resident’s level of sympathy, his dependence and the associated workload.
Results: After reading the vignette containing life story information, staff members considered that they had more useful information and empathy for the resident. They also felt more confident about the care. They perceived the resident as more sympathetic and less dependent, and the workload seemed lighter to them compared to the case described in the vignette that did not contain life story information.
Conclusions: This quantitative study shows, in clinical fictive situations, the positive impact of life story on staff members before care begins.
Clinical implications: Results highlight the importance of considering life story early. Getting to know residents should be the first step of care.