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Humanised Approach to Interprofessional Dementia Education

Authors: Board, M. and Scammell, J.

Conference: British Society of Gerontology

Dates: 6-8 July 2016

Abstract:

A recent report by the Alzheimer’s society (2016) stated that only 2% of people affected by dementia felt that hospital staff understood the needs of people with dementia. The needs of those with dementia are complex and require an interprofessional team approach to ensure the individual remains as the focus of care and not their diagnosis. Preparing undergraduate health care professionals can provide a forum for students to appreciate their different roles, and working more collaboratively. This presentation will share how dementia education and interprofessional working is prioritised at Bournemouth University. One example is an interprofessional dementia study day. Seeing the person beyond the diagnosis is the central theme for the day provided to all undergraduate health and social care students. This presentation will share the opportunities, and challenges of running this study day, also the theoretical approach that underpins the undergraduate programme. The Humanisation framework developed by Todres et al (2009) is presented as a focus on how to improve the care of those with dementia. The framework presents central aspects of what it means to be human as eight dimensions of humanisation/dehumanisation. These can be used to identify humanising and dehumanising elements in care systems and professional /patient interaction. During the day presentations from all members of the interprofessional team are made highlighting the unique role they play in the assessment and care of the older person. A carer also presents the lived experience of caring for a loved one with dementia. During a seminar activity students are encouraged to mix with students from other courses and consider the potential of working together when caring for a person with dementia. This presentation will share the student’s feedback and suggest how this initiative could be developed further.

Source: Manual