Tailored education for hospital staff is improving care for people with dementia, a new Australian study shows.
Educating hospital staff in person-centred dementia care leads to better care experiences, greater staff confidence, and improved rehabilitation outcomes for older people, the research found.
The study, conducted by UNSW’s Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), evaluated a dementia care education program delivered to nurses, doctors and allied health professionals at a sub-acute aged care rehabilitation hospital.
The goal was to help staff better support older patients with dementia as they recovered from injury or illness.
The results were striking, said study lead Professor Lynn Chenoweth from UNSW’s CHeBA.
Staff reported significantly greater confidence and understanding in how to care for people with dementia, six months after completing the training.
Observations showed more meaningful communication and engagement with patients, and overall improvements in service quality.
“This kind of care recognises the whole person – not just their illness,” said Professor Chenoweth.
“When staff are equipped to see and respond to the individual needs, abilities and preferences of people with dementia, outcomes improve – not just clinically, but emotionally and socially.”
The education was based on the Kitwood model of person-centred care, a globally recognised approach that prioritises dignity, respect and emotional wellbeing in dementia care. It also encouraged staff to involve family members and focus on the goals that matter most to the person receiving care.
Person-centred care was vital in healthcare, said internationally respected dementia expert and co-author of the study Professor Henry Brodaty.
“It helps people with dementia feel valued, understood and empowered, even in hospital settings that can otherwise be confusing or distressing. This study confirms the value of educating staff to adopt that mindset and approach.”
The program also led to lasting changes across the hospital with updated policies, new communication tools, and more collaborative care planning between staff, patients and families.
The findings offered a clear path for other hospitals and aged care settings to improve dementia care through education and culture change, said the researchers.
“Small changes in how we train and support our staff can make a big difference to how older people with dementia experience care and recovery,” said Professor Chenoweth.
The study is published in Geriatric Nursing.
