J Multidiscip Healthc. 2026 May 5;19:578782. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S578782. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the current level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding Lewy Body dementia (LBD) among staff of all grades within long-term care (LTC) facilities.
METHODS: An anonymous online survey was developed, consisting of three sections assessing demographics, LBD knowledge, attitudes and practices. Questions were informed by analogous studies and were adapted following a trial phase. The survey was disseminated to all grades of staff members working in LTC facilities across the Republic of Ireland. Descriptive and inferential statistics are used to examine participant knowledge and attitudes, while a multivariable regression analysis is run to examine the drivers of knowledge.
RESULTS: 8.7% of people working in LTC facilities had never heard of LBD before. Staff in management positions and activity coordinator positions had a higher LBD knowledge score in comparison to non-clinical staff. Directors of nursing (DONs), assistant directors of nursing (ADONs) and clinical nurse managers (CNMs) were able to name more than one dementia subtype more frequently than other staff members. Vascular dementia was the most known dementia subtype outside of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Activity coordinators and directors of nursing reported a higher level of comfort caring for residents with LBD, were more satisfied in their job role, and felt sufficiently trained to care for residents with different types of dementia. Over 75% of respondents were willing to undergo specialised LBD training.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The findings support further role-specific, and practical LBD training for all LTC staff. Interdisciplinary training and knowledge-sharing across job roles may enhance team cohesion, and the willingness of staff to engage in training is promising.
PMID:42117116 | PMC:PMC13157695 | DOI:10.2147/JMDH.S578782
