Changes in Attitudes and Behaviors of Caregivers Regarding Dietary Support in Group Home: A Mutual Action Research Approach

• Published in: The Japanese Journal of Dysphagia Rehabilitation Vol. 27; no. 1; pp. 61 - 68
• Main Authors: HORI, Takuya, OKAMOTO, Tomoko, YOTSUYA, Junko, MURATA, Miho, AOKI, Miku, HATA, Natsuki, HATA, Chizuru
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Japanese Society of Dysphagia Rehabilitation 30.04.2023; 一般社団法人 日本摂食嚥下リハビリテーション学会
• Subjects: behavior change; caregivers; dementia group home; dietary support; mutual action research; ミューチュアル・アクションリサーチ; 介護職員; 行動変化; 認知症グループホーム; 食支援
• ISSN: 1343-8441; 2434-2254
• DOI: 10.32136/jsdr.27.1_61

Objective:　In this practical study, researchers and practitioners collaborated to achieve good dietary support for a group home. The purpose was to clarify changes in the thoughts and actions of the entire team consisting of practitioners and researchers.　Methods:　The study was conducted using a mutual action research approach. Three group home caregivers and the researcher formed a research team to exchange opinions and discuss the subject of how dietary support should be provided at care facilities. “Wishes” for better dietary support were clarified, and feasible actions were planned in order to implement dietary support in line with the preferences expressed. Information obtained from semi-structured interviews, verbatim transcripts of three discussions, “reflection records,” and participant observation was analyzed, with a focus on changes in the thoughts and actions of caregivers regarding dietary support.　Results:　In the study, three phases of the process of changes in the thoughts and actions were identified as follows:Phase 1: The researcher and research collaborators discussed and agreed on their individual thoughts and feelings about meals.Phase 2: The researcher and the research collaborators shared a common understanding by clarifying their “wishes.”Phase 3: The research collaborators thought for themselves and moved toward implementation.　Conclusion:　Changes in the thoughts and actions of the research collaborators became evident as they worked together with group home caregivers to solve dietary support issues. Efforts using mutual action research have the potential to solve problems and bring about change.