Artikel
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in German nursing homes: a survey on staff perspective
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Veröffentlicht: | 30. April 2018 |
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Background and Purpose: Two out of three nursing home residents in Germany are dementially ill [1]. These patients often show behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The symptoms of BPSD are often treated with anti-psychotics which are associated with falls, strokes and increased mortality [2]. At the same time, their clinical effectiveness is questioned and usage only recommended for short periods. BPSD can also be approached with a wide range of effective non-medical interventions [3]. A survey was conducted to learn more about nurses’ roles and attitudes towards medical and non-medical approaches to BPSD.
Methods and Research Focus: A representative sample of 4,000 nursing homes were addressed and asked to forward a questionnaire to their qualified nursing staff. About 2,500 questionnaires were returned. Two out of three participating nurses had more than ten years of professional experience and more than half held a senior or managing position.
Results: Results show that non-medical interventions are widely known, used and regarded as effective by the nursing staff. However, the majority state that workload can restrict usage. Although high medication rates of 56% are reported, their extent and duration is not regarded as critical by the nursing staff. One out of four nurses regularly initiates a medical prescription of pharmaceuticals in the context of BPSD.
Conclusions: In order to reduce anti-psychotic drug use in BPSD, staffing levels need to reflect implementation of non-medical interventions. At the same time, nurses’ knowledge about risks associated with anti-psychotic drug use needs to be improved.
References
- 1.
- Schwinger A, Jürchott K, Tsiasioti C. Pflegebedürftigkeit in Deutschland. In: Jacobs K, Kuhlmey A, Greß S, Klauber J, Schwinger A, ed. Pflege-Report 2017 – Schwerpunkt: Die Versorgung der Pflegebedürftigen. Stuttgart: Schattauer; 2017. p. 255-303.
- 2.
- Banerjee S. The use of antipsychotic medication for people with dementia: time for action. A report for the Minister of State for Care Services. Department of Health; 2009 [accessed 20 Nov 2016]. Available from: http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/pdf/Antipsychotic%20Bannerjee%20Report.pdf
- 3.
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik und Nervenheilkunde (DGPPN); Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie (DGN). S3-Leitlinie „Demenzen“: Langversion. 1. Revision, Januar 2016. [accessed 19 May 2016]. Available from: https://www.dgppn.de/_Resources/Persistent/ade50e44afc7eb8024e7f65ed3f44e995583c3a0/S3-LL-Demenzen-240116.pdf