Abstract
Background: In long-term care facilities, the quality of relationships within the dementia triad (residents with dementia, their families and staff) has been demonstrated to be essential for delivering high-quality care and promoting psychological wellbeing among all involved. This study aimed at reviewing scientific literature regarding the specific and shared needs of all involved parties, and key determinants influencing relationship quality.
Methods : We performed a mixed-methods scoping review (PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO and Cochrane) integrating qualitative and quantitative studies and the input from a working group consisting of 17 people, including researchers, informal and formal caregivers. We applied open codes in ATLAS.ti to describe all needs and determinants. Thematic analysis was conducted.
Results: Twenty-eight articles were included. Preliminary findings indicated that residents with dementia have specific needs such as the encouragement of their independence in manageable tasks, and staff giving them sincere attention and showing personal interest. Examples of needs expressed by families were to be involved in small tasks, to have their perspectives acknowledged, to preserve their loved one’s identity, and to receive psychosocial support from staff. Both residents and families expressed the need to being consulted and informed by staff more often. Shared needs among all involved included feeling valued and respected, compassion, and maintaining the dignity of residents with dementia. Effective (non-verbal) communication, trust, shared care philosophies, mutual goal setting, sufficient time and organisational support were examples of identified key determinants influencing relationship quality.
Conclusion: Data analysis is ongoing, with the final list of determinants and needs set to be presented at the conference. The results will be used to identify target areas for the design and implementation of a tailored psychosocial intervention for improving and sustaining relationships within the dementia care triad in long-term care facilities.
Methods : We performed a mixed-methods scoping review (PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO and Cochrane) integrating qualitative and quantitative studies and the input from a working group consisting of 17 people, including researchers, informal and formal caregivers. We applied open codes in ATLAS.ti to describe all needs and determinants. Thematic analysis was conducted.
Results: Twenty-eight articles were included. Preliminary findings indicated that residents with dementia have specific needs such as the encouragement of their independence in manageable tasks, and staff giving them sincere attention and showing personal interest. Examples of needs expressed by families were to be involved in small tasks, to have their perspectives acknowledged, to preserve their loved one’s identity, and to receive psychosocial support from staff. Both residents and families expressed the need to being consulted and informed by staff more often. Shared needs among all involved included feeling valued and respected, compassion, and maintaining the dignity of residents with dementia. Effective (non-verbal) communication, trust, shared care philosophies, mutual goal setting, sufficient time and organisational support were examples of identified key determinants influencing relationship quality.
Conclusion: Data analysis is ongoing, with the final list of determinants and needs set to be presented at the conference. The results will be used to identify target areas for the design and implementation of a tailored psychosocial intervention for improving and sustaining relationships within the dementia care triad in long-term care facilities.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
| Event | 34th Alzheimer Europe conference: New horizons – Innovating for dementia - Geneva, Switzerland Duration: 8 Oct 2024 → 10 Oct 2024 https://www.alzheimer-europe.org/conferences/2024-Geneva?language_content_entity=en |
Conference
| Conference | 34th Alzheimer Europe conference |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Switzerland |
| City | Geneva |
| Period | 8/10/24 → 10/10/24 |
| Internet address |