Informal family caregiving to older people with dementia: research priorities for community psychiatric nursing

Abstract

The paper reviews the literature relating to the provision of community psychiatric nursing to demented elderly people and their informal family caregivers, and develops priorities for research in that particular area of nursing. Initially, the development of community psychiatric nursing with elderly demented people is examined. Various theoretical models articulating the family's experience of dementia are examined as a basis for identifying various priorities for research in the area. Empirical evidence relating to the efficacy of various interventions is briefly discussed. Various priorities are made regarding the development of research relating to the development of community psychiatric nursing with elderly demented people and their informal caregivers. Finally the paper is placed in the context of the present policy of refocusing psychiatric nursing on to people with serious and enduring mental disorders. It is argued that this policy should include elderly demented people not just younger people with functional mental disorders.

How do we facilitate carers’ involvement in decision making?

“…They concur with the findings of other studies that have sought carers’ views on this issue (Kenny 1990, Ashworth et al . 1992, Biley 1992, Nolan & Grant 1992, Adams 1994, 1996, Chadderton 1995, Keady 1996, Davies et al . 1997, Mistiaen et al .…”

Critical care nursing research priorities in Hong Kong

“…Delphi technique is a method of structuring group communication in a series of rounds, in order to obtain a consensus of group opinion (Linstone & Turoff 1975). It has also been used to gather information on the research priorities of nurses working in different specialties, such as paediatric units (Schmidt et al 1997), psychiatric units (Stevens & Valiga 1999), nursing education (Adams 1996), and intensive care units (Leino-Kilpi & Suominen 1997). Delphi technique has been widely applied in business and industries (Michman 1987, Chan et al 2001, and in medicine (Nathens et al 2003).…”

“…Delphi technique has been widely applied in business and industries (Michman 1987, Chan et al 2001, and in medicine (Nathens et al 2003). It has also been used to gather information on the research priorities of nurses working in different specialties, such as paediatric units (Schmidt et al 1997), psychiatric units (Stevens & Valiga 1999), nursing education (Adams 1996), and intensive care units (Leino-Kilpi & Suominen 1997). The advantages of using this technique are that it provides anonymity to participants, gives them the opportunity to participate at their convenience, and encourages the voicing of opinion without fear of intimidation by others in the group (Bond & Bond 1982).…”

Caring for a relative with dementia: The perceptions of carers and CPNs

“…In fact, there is much criticism in the literature around the inadequate roles professionals play in supporting carers within the home (eg Burholt, 1997). There is a considerable lack of clarity about the role of the CPN (Matthew, 1990;Adams, 1996) and an identified need for more studies exploring what CPNs do and how they work with older users and carers (Adams, 1996). An interesting contrast to the role of the CPN is provided by the Admiral Nurse service, the aim of which is to offer practical and emotional support to carers of people with dementia (Greenwood & Walsh, 1995).…”