Nursing Staff’s Experience of Nonpharmacological Approaches to Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Geriatric Hospitals

초록

Nonpharmacological approaches to the management of behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia (BPSD) can not only safely and effectively manage symptoms, but also improve the quality of life of persons with dementia. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of nonpharmacological approaches to the management care of BPSD by nursing staff in geriatric hospitals in Korea. Five focus group interview sessions were held with 30 members of the nursing staff, consisting of 20 registered nurses and 10 certified nursing assistants. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Five themes emerged from the data analysis：(1) receptive communication (2) knowing the person well, (3) meeting needs, (4) medications as first-line treatments, and (5) lack of nursing staff. In conclusion, nursing staff recognized well the benefits of nonpharmacological approaches, but they perceived great limitations in staffing to implement those approaches. Therefore, it is necessary to secure enough nursing staffs for long-term care facilities, and it is necessary to provide regular education for nursing staff about coping strategies for BPSD.

키워드