Caring for older people with dementia in the emergency department. (25th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Watkins, Sarah; Murphy, Fiona; Kennedy, Catriona; Graham, Margaret; Dewar, Belinda
• Is Part Of: British journal of nursing. Volume 29:Number 12(2020)
• Page Start: 692
• Page End: 699
• Publication Date: 2020-06-25
• Subjects: Dementia patients' experiences -- Dementia care -- Emergency care -- Carers -- Relationship-centred nursing; Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2020.29.12.692
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-0461

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Admission to an emergency department (ED) may expose the older person with dementia to a range of negative consequences, including a deterioration in their behavioural symptoms. The authors conducted a review of primary research relating to the experiences of older people with dementia, their carers and ED nurses, to understand how these experiences might inform nursing practice. Methods: Integrative review with a search of the electronic databases of Medline, CINAHL and PSYCHINFO using specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Three themes were identified: carers and older people with dementia—waiting and worrying; nurses juggling priorities; and strategies for improvement—taking a partnership approach. Conclusion: Older people with dementia may be exposed to disparities in treatment in the ED. A practice partnership between carers and ED nurses may help to prevent this. ED nurses need support to blend technical- and relationship-centred care. Participatory research exploring the experiences of older people with dementia, their carers and ED nurses is needed.