Workload-Related Issues among Nurses Caring for Patients with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Scoping Review.

Abstract

As the elderly population grows, the prevalence of dementia is rising, with 70-95% of patients in hospital settings exhibiting problematic behaviors such as aggression. These behaviors significantly contribute to increased nursing workloads, affecting nurses' well-being and patient care quality. This study aims to review workload-related issues among nurses caring for dementia patients, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to mitigate stress and improve care quality. A scoping review was conducted using the five-stage framework of Arksey and O'Malley. The literature search covered studies published between 2013 and 2023, focusing on quantitative research about nurses' workload-related stress when managing patients with dementia and problematic behaviors. Databases such as PubMed and PsycINFO were searched, and 13 studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review revealed that problematic behaviors, particularly aggression, significantly increase nurses' stress and workload. This stress has negative consequences on nurses' physical and mental health, often leading to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and a decline in care quality. Inadequate staffing and support systems exacerbate these issues. Targeted education, sufficient staffing, and support are essential to reduce the workload and stress experienced by nurses caring for dementia patients. Implementing these strategies can enhance the quality of care provided and improve the well-being of healthcare professionals.