Loading...
Hospital and care home nurse perspectives on optimising care for people living with dementia who transfer between hospitals and care homes
Richardson, Angela
Richardson, Angela
Publication Date
2020
End of Embargo
Rights
The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
Peer-Reviewed
Open Access status
Accepted for publication
Institution
University of Bradford
Department
Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Applied Dementia Studies
Awarded
2020
Embargo end date
Collections
Additional title
Abstract
Background: Transitions out of hospital result in poor outcomes for older
people. Research investigating transitions for care home residents living with
dementia is limited, even though such residents often have multi-morbidities
and frequently use hospital services. Nurses are key care providers. Yet their
perspectives on optimising care for people living with dementia transferring
back to their care home remains under explored.
Aims: This qualitative descriptive study explores hospital and care home
nurses’ perspectives on how they optimise care for people living with
dementia who transfer from hospital back to their care home, and the
alignment of this care with best practice.
Methods: Thirty-three nurses participated in either semi structured
interviews or focus groups. Data were analysed using qualitative content
analysis.
Results: Nurses described four roles: 1) exchanging information, 2)
assessing and meeting needs, 3) working with families and 4) checking and
organising medication. They described care home residents with dementia
as having distinct needs and variation in how they provided care. Nurses
described interdependent roles, but care home nurses were often excluded
from involvement in planning resident’s care on return and were not fully
recognised as members of wider healthcare teams. Facilitators for optimising
care include: nurses understanding the principles of dementia care, nurse
leadership and autonomy, having positive relationships between hospital and
care home nurses and opportunities for joint working. The care practices
nurses described broadly aligned with best practice.
Implications: Hospital and care home nurses require joint working
opportunities to understand their roles and build relationships. Care home
nurses’ status needs to be addressed with action to support their integration
into the wider healthcare system.
Version
Citation
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Thesis
Qualification name
PhD