Policy recommendations from the perspective of health professionals who work with people with dementia in public tertiary hospitals in China

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundChina has the largest number of people with dementia in the world. However, there is currently no specific national policy or plan related to dementia care in China. Health professionals working in public tertiary hospitals are the primary sources of diagnosis and treatment of people with dementia. They are very familiar with this population and are in the best position to provide information to inform policymakers. The purpose of this study was to explore health professionals’ policy recommendations on dementia care in China.MethodA qualitative study using thematic analysis with ATLAS.ti software was used. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews using an interview guide were employed. Purposive maximum variation sampling was used to recruit health professionals working in settings where people with dementia are cared for in public tertiary hospitals (i.e., neurology, psychiatric, and geriatric departments) and who have more than six months’ experience of caring for people with dementia. Data was collected between July and December 2019 in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and translated form Mandarin into English, and then analyzed into categories and themes. Ethical approval was obtained from the University Human Research Ethics Committee (2019/269) and hospitals as required.ResultTwenty‐four participants were recruited from three public tertiary hospitals. Four themes emerged. Participants described that the medical treatment and care provided in China was not meeting the needs of people with dementia. Daycare centers and specialized nursing homes for people with dementia were recommended as a means to support family caregivers. Participants also identified low public awareness of dementia. To improve this, participants suggested that training in dementia care should be provided to family caregivers and health professionals. Setting up dementia curricula in universities was also recommended by participants.ConclusionChina is not adequately equipped to deal with the challenges of dementia care. An integrated health system is urgently needed in China, where policymakers and stakeholders work collaboratively for the formulation of effective treatment and care strategies for people with dementia.