Effective Communication in Dementia Patients

Effective Communication with Dementia Patients - Abstract Throughout every nurse’s career, one will have the experience of working with those with dementia. Patients who suffer with dementia require different approaches to communication and may have difficult interactions with healthcare workers. A barrier many nurses continue to endure is poor communication and relationships with dementia patients. Many nurses work at a very quick and stressful pace, putting a strain on many nurses’ relationships with dementia patients. Ineffective communication may lower the quality of care dementia patients receive as nurses may lack the extra time needed to effectively communicate. This can lead to negative outcomes and safety issues for dementia patients. In this paper, improved techniques for nurses to learn and build new communication techniques improve patient outcomes and minimize aggressive behaviors. Effective communication techniques can greatly impact patient outcomes and improve care outcomes. Effective communication techniques and educational requirements regarding such are supported by many researchers, and are included in the articles analyzed in this paper. The study completed by Douglas and MacPherson (2021) investigated whether a 6-week coaching strategy improved CNA knowledge and communication behaviors. This study also assessed the impact of the coaching on negative response behaviors of those with dementia. Seven CNAs and seven people completed the study; each completing pe and post assessments. The CNAs underwent pre and post tests after the coaching session, and the dementia patients underwent pre and post assessments regarding responsive behaviors such as yelling, hitting, spitting, etc. Results showed “there is preliminary evidence to support the feasibility of a coaching strategy to support the implementation of positive communication strategies by CNAs when communicating with people with dementia” (Douglas & MacPherson, 2021, p. 250). Currently Spring Creek Post-Acute and Rehabilitation Center does not have a policy on dementia communication education. To better improve patient quality of care and outcomes, a policy that focused on learning effective communication techniques could be very beneficial for patients, nurses, and nursing assistants at this facility. Such policy would include the requirement of new employees to complete a dementia communication course within the first 30 days of employment, requireming all employees to complete annual training regarding dementia communication techniques, and the requirement of annual personal performance and management reviews on communication effectiveness. Effective communication is a vital aspect when providing care to those with dementia. Utilizing effective dementia communication techniques can decrease patient outbursts and levels of anxiety and depression as well improve quality of care and nurse-patient relationships. The articles analyzed in this paper discussed the benefits of education and utilization of such techniques allowing for improvement in individualized care for dementia patients