The opinions and experiences of nursing professionals on self- management support in dementia care: a mixed methods study

Abstract

Background: Because of the growing number of people with dementia, the importance of self-management support by nursing professionals is increasing. Currently it is unknown how nursing professionals think about self-management support in the care of people with dementia. Aim: Gaining information about the current opinions and experiences of nursing professionals about self-management support in the daily care of people with dementia and their family caregivers. Research question: ‘What are the current opinions and experiences of nurses and certified nursing assistants, working in home, residential and nursing home care, about self-management support in the care of people with dementia?’ Method: A mixed methods approach. Secondary analyses were done on quantitative data of a formerly conducted cross- sectional survey among a national representative sample of 206 nursing professionals. Twelve semi- structured interviews were used to study the opinions and experiences more in-depth. Results: Most participants experienced self-management support as a part of their job and mentioned positive effects. They defined self-management support as helping people with dementia to maintain the control of their lives by involving them in decisions in daily care. The family caregiver plays an important role in this process. Nursing professionals didn’t feel sufficiently trained and skilled to perform self-management support. Conclusion: The opinions and experiences of nursing professionals towards SMS in dementia care are overall positive. Focus on supporting self-management of the family caregiver is important and has to be improved. Most nursing professionals needed training in self-management support and do think that it is an appealing task in the future. Recommendations: More publicity, time en training is necessary to perform self-management support properly for people with dementia and their family caregivers. Supporting self-management of the family caregiver needs more attention as well.