A qualitative investigation to identify the perceived educational needs of qualified nurses needed to reduce the use of antipsychotic medication when caring for people with dementia in an adult care setting.

Background: Literature shows that the main challenge of caring for people with dementia is managing difficult behaviour caused by the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Poor knowledge and understanding of BPSD, due to a lack of education in both pre and post-registration nursing programs, has lead to the inappropriate use of antipsychotics which are known to have detrimental effects for people with dementia. This study aimed to identify the perceived educational needs of qualified nurses to reduce the use of antipsychotic medication when caring for people with dementia in an adult care setting. Methods: This study adopted a qualitative, phenomenological approach. Twelve, adult-trained nurses undertaking Learning Beyond Registration modules, were recruited and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data was analysed using a thematic content analysis approach. Findings and Discussion: The findings show that there is a lack of education about dementia. Therefore there needs to be relevant education in pre-registration nursing courses, which is combined with a specific placement in a dementia care setting, and ongoing dementia training for qualified staff. In order to reduce the use of antipsychotics, education needs to incorporate information about, the disease process, how to interact and communicate with patients, how to interpret and manage BPSD, antipsychotic medication and alternative non-pharmacological interventions, ethical and legal issues, person-centred-care, and partnerships with specialists and the patients family/carers. This information should be presented in an interactive way that enhances student engagement. Conclusions: It is clear that nurses need further education about dementia that starts in pre-registration programs and continues post-registration. Health care professionals need to be educated about non-pharmacological approaches to mange BPSD and be supported to implement them in practice. This will reduce the use of antipsychotic medication. This study draws some important conclusions, includin