Improving communication when caring for acutely ill patients with dementia.
People living with dementia have complex needs, which may be compounded when they develop an acute illness. It is vital to recognise any deterioration in a patient and respond appropriately to prevent serious complications and, in some cases, mortality. It is necessary for all healthcare professionals to develop assessment skills that take account of potential communication difficulties. This article reviews the literature on communicating with people with dementia, and considers the main issues involved in managing patients with an acute illness who are already living with dementia. The aim is to ensure that nurses consider how they communicate in these situations and to recognise the benefits that can be gained by healthcare professionals and patients from enhanced communication.
['Kilgore|Cliff|C|']
D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D000544:Alzheimer Disease D003142:Communication D064648:Critical Care Nursing D003704:Dementia D005851:Geriatric Nursing D006801:Humans D008875:Middle Aged D024802:Nurse's Role D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
communication Acute illness dementia assessment education