Joining Forces for People with Dementia

Ways to Provide More Personalized Hospital Care

A challenging hospital stay
When people with dementia are treated in an acute care hospital—for example, following a fall or a heart attack—they are often overwhelmed. However, the daily routine in the hospital leaves healthcare professionals with little time to address the needs of individual patients. As a result, those affected often experience inadequate care and are not sufficiently involved in their care process. Studies show that their treatment is less successful compared to that of people of the same age without cognitive impairments.

A guide to greater collaboration
To improve care for people with dementia in acute-care hospitals, the Center for Clinical Nursing Science at the University Hospital of Zurich has developed a program that strengthens collaboration among medical staff, patients, and family members. Specific recommendations for action, known as “care bundles,” support healthcare staff throughout the entire patient journey—from admission to discharge. After all, better care also promises a better recovery process.

Practical implementation at several acute care hospitals
Myrta Kohler, Jutta Ernst, and Rahel Naef are now investigating the practical implementation of the program at several acute care hospitals. Their findings are intended to serve as the basis for successful implementation throughout Switzerland, thereby sustainably improving the quality of health care for people with cognitive impairments.

Customized Project Partnerships
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