Abraham Brody

Discipline: Nurse

Funding awarded to: Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, New York University, College of Nursing, New York City

Palliative Care Research Proposal: The Dementia Symptom Management at Home (DSM-H) Program en Español

This project will develop, implement and test the efficacy of the Spanish Language version of the DSM-H program in order to improve quality of life for older adults with dementia who are living at home and their caregivers. The aims of this pilot trial are to: 1) Translate the DSM-H for use with Spanish speaking patients and caregivers 2) Measure the effects of the program on pain, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and caregiver rated quality of life in the person with dementia receiving care at home; 3) Assess the effects of DSM-H program on the quality of life, burden, depression and burnout for the family caregiver of the person with dementia receiving care at home; and 4) Examine the rate of hospital admissions and emergency room visits in persons receiving the program. These data will provide the study team with the necessary data to successfully apply for dissemination and implementation funding with the ultimate goal of teaming with nationwide partners to implement nationally. The pilot focuses on two of the leading underdiagnosed and undertreated symptoms found in homebound elders with dementia: pain and behavioral and psychosocial symptoms in dementia.

From both personal and professional experiences, I have had the fortune of seeing and providing outstanding, patient-centered palliative care, and the distress of observing poorly delivered, paternalistic end of life and dementia care. I have therefore dedicated my career to improving care for older adults with serious illness by becoming an expert geropalliative nurse practitioner, researcher and leader. In this role I focus on improving quality of life for older adults living in the community through nurse led interprofessional models. It is important that we ensure this vulnerable population is treated with dignity and respect, that they have access to better care than they currently receive, and are able to have a higher quality of life. To see such disparity in care has been both appalling and inspiring; there is so much room for improvement of palliative care of older adults with serious illness living in the community and I intend to help bridge this gap between current care and evidence based, patient and family centered care.