2012 Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 11-20
Purpose：The purpose of this study was to investigate interprofessional work related to supporting community-dwelling elderly people with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Method: Subjects were nine medical welfare professionals. They were asked about their roles and ways of interprofessional communication in their care of demented elderly people with BPSD, including collaborations between facilities. The data was qualitatively analyzed. Results: The medical welfare professionals used written reports and the opportunities of conference to communicate with other professions regarding the care or support demented elderly people with BPSD. The problems were different care plans within professions due to the lack of understanding the role of other professions, and difficulty to continue executing care plans. Conclusions: It was suggested that interprofessional practice requires: (1) common understanding of professions; (2) professions who recognize a need for modification of care or need for collaboration should initiate communication with other professions, leading to provide appropriate service; (3) have a shared understanding about BPSD and each role as professions when caring demented elderly people with BPSD, and maintaining the awareness of this necessity; and (4) maintaining self-respect as professions through mutual support and continuing provision of care.
