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Abstract

Aim To explore the experiences of patients and nursing staff of the care received by older people with dementia in acute hospitals. Background The prevalence of dementia is steadily increasing as is the number of people with the condition requiring acute hospital care. Significant concerns about the quality of this care have been raised. There is a paucity of knowledge about the views of such care from the perspectives of people with dementia and nurses. Method An ethnographic approach was used and data was collected thorough observation and interviews in one acute hospital in the United Kingdom. Findings Findings suggest that care for older people with dementia in acute hospitals is not always optimum although there are clear exceptions. Generally people with dementia find the delivery of care and the experience of being in hospital distressing as they do not know what was happening and they are often ignored. Nurses strive to give good care but do not always achieve this. Conclusion Bourdieu’s Model of Practice assists in explaining why care is as it is. There is a clear need to improve current practice. Relevance to Clinical Practice It is imperative that innovative methods of developing practice are implemented and evaluated. Education alone will not lead to sustained changes in practice. Further research into this subject needs to be undertaken.

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• The care of older people with dementia in acute hospitals. (deposited 14 Jul 2010 14:42)
  • The care of older people with dementia in acute hospitals. (deposited 14 Jul 2010 14:46) [Currently Displayed]