The Experiences of Nurses Providing Dementia Nursing in Japan: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to synthesize the findings of existing qualitative research to identify key aspects of nurses’ experiences in dementia nursing in Japan.

Method: We researched literature using Ichu-shi Web, PubMed, and CINAHL, followed by a narrative review.

Results: Nineteen Japanese-language articles and one English-language article were included. Nurses’ experiences in dementia nursing in Japan were categorized into five core themes: “Exploring and implementing nursing methods tailored to people with dementia,” “Expanding the scope of dementia nursing beyond individual cases to include collaboration with other professions,” “Providing nursing with consideration for the future of people with dementia and their families,” “Facing the challenges of dementia nursing in practice,” and “Establishing values in dementia nursing.”

Conclusion: The essence of nurses’ experiences in dementia nursing was considered to be grounded in repeated practice, reflection on practice, and self-reflection. This study suggests that knowledge based on these experiential insights may contribute to the advancement of dementia nursing practice.