Obstacles Faced by Nurses in Care Activities for Dementia Patients at an Acute Care Hospital and the Process to Overcome Such Obstacles

Abstract

Purpose: To identify obstacles faced by nurses (hereinafter referred to as promotors) in the promotion of care activities for dementia patients at an acute care hospital, and the process to overcome such obstacles.

Method: Focus group interviews targeting 11 promoters were conducted in groups of 3–4 persons. Results were analyzed using the qualitative synthesis method (KJ method).

Results: Promotors were aware of two obstacles, namely “conditions which relies on physical restraint to handle conflict” and “reaching a dead end due to varying degrees of enthusiasm” at the acute care hospital. This was due to an underlying sense of value of postponing dementia care. However, as a result of the activities that have the characteristics of both “activities based on the intentions of the promotor” and “activities based on the team”, “verification of organizational achievement” was eventually achieved. A support called “driving force to continue activities” was present in proof of the result.

Conclusion: Regarding obstacles, promotors expressed their own conviction with a driving force, and continued activities called team formation that spread to all, and verified achievement through phased implementation of a long-term plan. In this process, support for the promotors through an organization was essential.