Work

Knowledge about the Care of People with Alzheimer’s Disease of the Nursing Staff of Nursing Homes in Spain

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: People with Alzheimer's disease often live in nursing homes. Updated knowledge among the nursing staff has led to better quality of care. The aim of this study was to measure the knowledge about the care of people with Alzheimer's disease of the nursing staff of nursing homes in Spain. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 24 nursing homes in the province of Jaén (Spain) with a sample of 361 members of staff, i.e., registered nurses (RNs), assistant nurses (ANs), and eldercare workers (EWs). The University of Jaén UJA-Alzheimer's Care Scale was used to measure the knowledge. The knowledge was higher among the RNs (83.3% of the maximum) than among the ANs and EWs (71.6%). Work experience and updated training were associated with the knowledge score in RNs, but only the updated training in ANs and EWs. Nursing homes with less experienced nursing staff and with a small proportion of staff receiving training on dementia have a low knowledge score. The nursing staff of nursing homes in Jaén have medium to high knowledge about Alzheimer's care. There is a wide range of variation in the knowledge score among the nursing homes. Up-to-date staff training in dementia care is the factor with the strongest association with knowledge.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244907

Authors: Laura Parra-Anguita, Francisco P. García-Fernández, Rafael del-Pino-Casado, Pedro L. Pancorbo-Hidalgo

Institution: Universidad de Jaén

Language: English

Topic: Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,824