An explorative study of the beliefs of staff of psychogeriatric nursing homes regarding the use of dynamic lighting systems

Dynamic lighting systems (DLS) are an innovative way to improve the behavioural symptoms of older people with dementia residing in nursing homes. The use of such systems by care professionals and underlying beliefs of these professionals are essential in the successful implementation of DLS. Therefore, this study investigated the beliefs of staff of nursing homes in relation to the use of DLS. Through focus group sessions and interviews, a number of beliefs emerged which influence the use of DLS in practice. The intention to use is influenced by the control options of the system, and the way DLS is embedded in care routines. The most important factor impacting the use of DLS is the creation of homelike living conditions. The identified factors can help in the implementation and design of DLS in psychogeriatric nursing home wards.