A questionnaire survey was performed for 1,731 nurses in acute-care hospitals to identify factors related to the feeling of difficulty in nursing care for older patients with dementia. A total of 620 responses were obtained (response rate: 35.8%). A t-test for subscale scores on the measurement scale was used to assess the feeling of difficulty, using demographics and character traits as personal factors, and logistical issues as environmental factors. Multiple regression analysis using the stepwise method was then performed with factors that showed a significant difference as independent variables. In this analysis, the feeling of difficulty in nursing care was affected by personal factors, such as years of experience, knowledge about dementia, and preconceptions about older patients with dementia, and environmental factors, such as nursing care methods, manpower, and attitudes toward nursing care among all personnel of a hospital ward. These findings suggested that caregivers should engage in nursing care for older patients with dementia by focusing on positive aspects of the patients through an understanding of the characteristics of communication with patients with dementia. Further, an appropriate environment should be developed in acute-care hospitals to permit nursing care to be provided by a team.

A pleasant work environment where employees can work with peace of mind leads to job satisfaction and is expected to improve the quality of medical care in medical facility. However, the common work environmental factors related to job satisfaction in multi-professions and in medical facilities with different characteristics are not clearly elucidated.

We searched databases for original articles published over an indefinite period. Among the 640 articles identified, 20 considered fulfilling the purpose of this study. Work environment factors examined the relationship to job satisfaction were extracted, and inductively classified according to similarity, and the following 4 categories were extracted: [organizational management policies and systems], [working conditions], [business authority and role expectations], and [relationships with others and support]. Among them, the work environment item including [relationships with others and support] showed a significant relationship with job satisfaction in most professions. Having good relationships with supervisors and staff, and team cooperation, were related to job satisfaction in multi-professions in various medical facilities.

Since the job satisfaction and work environment factors used in the studies were different, it is necessary to conduct a large-scale study targeting multi-facilities and multi-professions using a standardized indicator.