CONCERNS IN DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS ABOUT THREATS TO THE PERSONHOOD OF PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA: A NARRATIVE APPROACH FOR ANALYSIS

Objective: the aim of the current research is to capture significant areas of concern in dementia caregiving both in the community and in old-age psychiatric wards. As a reflection, the sought goal is to improve patients with dementia (PWD) personhood. Study Design: a qualitative research approach with narrative analysis provided significant themes of concerns in the dementia caregiving. The theoretical approach is person-centred. Material and Methods: focus groups of dementia caregivers offered the narratives for analysis. A series of probing questions were used to stimulate the discussions and the retrieval of narratives. A total of 34 caregivers participated in the study. Their professions included inpatient and community nurses, dementia doctors, social workers, community workers, clinical psychologists, support workers, and family members Results: major themes of concern emerging were the logistic and geographical isolation of caregivers from other centres and professionals, lack of collaboration and support, absence of information sharing, shortage of staff and time resources, deficiency of support to deal with grief and burnout, shortage of specialist consultation when needed. All these aspects were felt as impacting on PWD personhood. Conclusions: narratives emerged as a viable research instrument to record the impact of dementia caregiving on PWD personhood. Besides, by allowing caregivers in having their voice heard the research aligns with the current trends in patient-centred care which also aims to care for the carer