Ripple effects of small group care for patients with dementia in hospital on ward nurses

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe average length of stay in general beds is about 16 days in Japan . Providing quality care to inpatients with dementia has been a challenge in acute hospitals. In Japan, “in‐hospital daycare”, in which patients gather in specific places in the hospital for recreation and rehabilitation, is increasing. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the current situation of “in‐hospital daycare” at hospitals in Japan and the ripple effect on dementia care in wards.MethodA web‐based survey was conducted on 1,101 nurses working in hospitals who are certified as experts of dementia or geriatric care.ResultData were obtained from 272 nurses (response rate: 24.7%). 38 nurses (14%) have provided “in‐hospital daycare”, and 51 nurses (18.8%) provided it before the COVID‐19 pandemic. We analyzed data of these 89 nurses.91.0% of them recognized that “in‐hospital daycare” was effective for the patients who participated. In addition, they reported the ripple effect on ward nurses. Ripple effects are 〈ward nurses are more supportive of patient activity/diversional activity 〉〈Ward nurses are more aware of patient strengths〉〈Ward nurses noticed new aspects of patients and backgrounds, and deepened their understanding of patients〉〈Increased conversations between ward nurses and patients〉and so on.ConclusionAlthough only about 30% of facilities provide “in‐hospital day care”, it has not only an effect on participating patients, but also has a ripple effect on ward nurses. Results suggest that it contributes to improving the quality of dementia care in the ward.