Implementation and outcomes of a dementia-friendly training program in five hospitals

• Published in: Geriatric nursing (New York) Vol. 60; pp. 291 - 296
• Main Authors: Roberts, Ellen, Schneider, Ellen C., Dale, Maureen, Henage, Cristine B., Kelley, Casey J., Busby-Whitehead, Jan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.11.2024
• Subjects: Dementia-friendly training; Hospitals; Older adults living with dementia; Dementia-friendly training; Older adults living with dementia; Hospitals
• ISSN: 0197-4572; 1528-3984; 1528-3984
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.09.011

•Many hospitals do not routinely screen patients for dementia. Therefore, hospitals must find methods of identifying patients living with dementia when offering dementia-friendly training.•Dementia-friendly training is effective in increasing staff ability to recognize symptoms and needs of Patients Living with Dementia (PLWD).•Dementia-friendly training can prompt positive system changes within hospitals and help hospitals connect caregivers to community-based resources. Background: Hospitalized patients living with dementia (PLWD) age 65+ generally experience poor outcomes. This study's purpose was to implement dementia-friendly training with staff, track patient outcomes, and implement sustainable system changes. Methods: We conducted a prospective study in five hospitals. The hospitals adopted HealthCare Interactive's CARES® Dementia 5-Step Method for Hospitals Online Training and Certification Program . After on-line modules completion, a didactic session was offered, and a retrospective pre/post survey was completed. Patient falls, length of stay, and readmission rates were collected. Results: 1,836 (41 %) staff completed the training. Positive changes in staff ratings from pre- to post- intervention were observed. Number of falls and readmissions did not change. The average number of stays per patient decreased by .24 (p=0.01). Hospitals made system changes including innovative identification for PLWD. Conclusions: Dementia-friendly hospital training is effective in improving staff recognition of the symptoms and needs of PLWD, and responding appropriately.