Conflicts Experienced by Nurses Caring for End Stage Patients with Dementia at a Dementia Treatment Ward

Abstract

[Purpose] To examine conflicts experienced by nurses caring for patients with end-stage dementia at a dementia treatment ward.

[Methods] Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight nurses with more than two years of experience working at a dementia treatment ward. Participants were interviewed about the conflicts they experienced while caring for patients with end-stage dementia. The data were analyzed qualitatively and inductively.

[Results] Seven categories were extracted as conflicts faced by nurses caring for end-stage dementia patients in dementia treatment wards: [conflicts arising from the continuation and limitations of dementia treatment in psychiatry ward], [conflicts over reduced activity due to treatment and care], [conflicts arising between patients/families and medical professionals], [conflicts over not being able to confirm the patient’s wishes], [conflicts over DNAR selection], [conflicts over nursing care arising from the distress of families towards dementia patients], and [conflicts over the relationship between patients and families].

[Conclusions] The entire nursing team must anticipate situations or scenarios where conflicts are likely to occur, arrange a place for discussion, and practice care based on common understanding.