Observations of the experiences of people with dementia on general hospital wards

Abstract

This paper is based on research that aimed to explore how people with dementia are cared for in general hospital wards in the United Kingdom (UK). The paper details findings from one phase of data collection, ward based observations. The observations elucidated the ways in which persons with dementia express and portray their ‘selves’, the interpretations made by nurses about the patients with dementia they cared for and the constructions of roles and care environments. The findings demonstrate how a variety of influences affect the way a person with dementia experiences a hospital admission. Nurses' positive or negative interpretations of a person with dementia can lead to the ‘constraint’ or ‘realisation’ of a person's portrayal of self. In an ageing global society, improving the care of older people is a priority. The findings illuminate the central importance of promoting two-way relationships in which the actions of people with dementia are recognised as portraying individuality and identity. The study highlights a need for practice development to enhance nursing care for medical and surgical patients with a coincidental diagnosis of dementia.