Staff survey on the care for persons with dementia / Mitarbeiter/-innenbefragung zum Umgang mit Menschen mit Demenz

This pilot study at the University Hospital of Innsbruck aimed to interview employees in order to optimise the treatment of patients with dementia. Available data concerning prevalence of dementia in this hospital were analysed and show a slight increase in numbers.

Nurses at one inpatient department and one outpatient clinic completed a standardized questionnaire developed by the German Institute for Applied Nursing Research (dip, 2012). Dementia is a highly relevant topic for the participating nursing staff. Results show potential for improvement in pain management, assurance of continuity of services, and communication skills.

Nursing staff responded questions about emotional burden, based in their work with this group of patients. The emotional burden was rated as being higher in the inpatient department. Participants from both departments expressed their wish for better involvement of dementia clients’ relatives in the clinical work. Finally, the nursing staff’s needs for educational support was surveyed.

Additionally, six members of the patient transport service participated in a focus group interview. Specific types of burden related to handling patients with dementia, as well as wishes and requirements for improvement related to the patient transport for persons with dementia were expressed.

The survey shows both, the current state and further potential for improvement of the treatment of patients with dementia at the University Hospital of Innsbruck. Based on the results of this survey a continuing education programme meeting staff needs was developed as one of the measures resulting in the project aiming to improve the treatment of patients with dementia.