The nature of dementia care provided by social workers across various hospital settings is unexplored. This study utilized the “rigorous and accelerated data reduction” (RADaR) qualitative analysis technique to explore the process of care among social workers for persons with dementia (PWDs) across a Midwestern tertiary care system with two aims: 1) to identify environmental barriers and supports to quality dementia care in two hospital settings (medical and psychiatric emergency departments (ED), and the main inpatient hospital (IP)), and 2) to identify existing strengths and challenges to high quality social work dementia care within these settings. Twelve qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive, snowball sample of social workers in dementia care in a large, academic health care system in 2016. Results identify environmental barriers in both settings (physical space design, patient-environment interactions, safety, and discharge disposition). Environmental aspects that promote quality care include supportive staff and family in the patient environment in the IP and ED hospital sections while the discharge disposition is more relevant in the IP. While there are some areas of social work involvement (discharge, psycho-social needs, treatment/management issues) that promote quality of care across locales, the pattern of performing roles varied, e.g. there is more focus on discharge planning and less management of competing demands in the IP than in the ED. Also, social workers were more involved in the diagnosis of dementia in the ED than other settings. We offer policy and practice recommendations to improve care for PWDs in academic hospital settings.

Nurses and social workers in acute care settings have unique perspectives about providing care to persons living with dementia (PLwD) who experience behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Their distinctive roles and training have important implications for the recovery and well-being of PLwDs during hospital stays. This study utilized the "rigorous and accelerated data reduction" (RADaR) technique to compare perspectives of social workers (n=12) and nurses (n=5) in a Midwestern tertiary care facility about their caring for PLwds with BPSD. Three major themes were identified: 1) patient engagement and coordination with family and professionals, 2) treatment and medical management, and 3) barriers to care. Similarities between social workers and nurses emerged within the themes, including the importance of family involvement and providing person centered care. Differences emerged particularly within the treatment and medical management theme, as nurses utilize medications to treat BPSD and social workers were more likely to use redirection. While there is distinctive training for nurses and social workers, both identified similar barriers to providing care to PLwDs with BPSD, including time constraints, competing demands, and lack of training on BPSD management. Results demonstrate how an understanding of the critical and complementary roles that nurses and social workers play in dementia care and work together to build a care team can inform best practices to support symptom management and quality of life in PLwDs. Continuing education and training could be beneficial for both professionals to improve the quality of care for PlwDs.