DEMfriendlyHospital

Characteristics of dementia-friendly hospitals

Background

For people with dementia, hospitalisation is often associated with adverse events or consequences as well as a high burden.

In order to improve the care of these patients in hospital, there are various efforts, including the dementia-friendly hospital. The term dementia-friendly or dementia-sensitive hospital is increasingly used in practice, research and politics. However, it remains unclear what constitutes such a hospital.

In the DEMfriendlyHospital project, we at the DZNE in Witten, in cooperation with the University of Witten/Herdecke, are working on the characteristics of dementia-friendly hospitals.

Project Aim

The aim of the project is to identify and synthesise characteristics of dementia-friendly hospitals, considering the perspectives of patients with dementia, their relatives, professional dementia experts and the literature.

Methods

An integrative review was conducted. Based on this, a case study with a qualitative approach will be conducted. The case study is based on a multiple-case holistic design, consisting of three cases (patients with dementia, relatives, professional dementia experts). Data collection will be carried out using problem-centred interviews (PZI) and expert interviews. The data analysis will be carried out for each single case by using an inductive content analysis. In addition, a cross-case analysis will be conducted.

Expected Results

One expected outcome is a structured and systematic overview of national and international descriptions of dementia-friendly hospitals. In addition, the identification of characteristics that are considered important for a dementia-friendly hospital from the perspective of patients with dementia, their relatives and professional dementia experts is aimed for as an outcome. Finally, the results of the integrative review and the case study are presented in a synthesis.