Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, Vol 51, Issue 6 P364-P373, Copyright © 1996 by The Gerontological Society of America
Environmental "white noise": an intervention for verbally agitated nursing home residents
L Burgio, K Scilley, JM Hardin, C Hsu and J Yancey
This study presents preliminary data on the efficacy of two environmental
"white noise" audiotapes for the treatment of verbal agitation in severely
demented nursing home residents. The researchers employed a
computer-assisted real-time observational system to assess both the
frequency of verbal agitation and the actual use of the intervention on the
nursing units (treatment fidelity). Intervention by nurse aides (NAs) on
the unit was preceded by a researcher-controlled functional analysis phase
that provided information regarding which of the two audiotapes would be
most effective for individual residents. Results indicate a 23% reduction
in verbal agitation with this individualized treatment strategy on the
nursing units. These results were obtained even though treatment fidelity
data showed that the audiotapes were used during only 51% of the
observations. The authors discuss the need for formal staff management
procedures for increasing staff compliance with treatment regimens.
