What knowledge and understanding do ward nurses' have, in relation to the effectiveness of pain management of people with severe dementia in Scotland?

Abstract

Background There are approximately 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland, with this number expected to double in the next 25 years. Dementia describes an array of brain diseases, which are characterised by a progressive decline in intellectual and mental function. In the end stages of their illness, people with dementia find communication increasingly difficult. Age is the highest risk factor for both dementia and pain. Communication has an essential role in pain management in a hospital setting. The most common form of pain assessment is self report, where the patient informs the nurse that they are in pain. Therefore if a person with severe dementia is in hospital and they have communication difficulties, then it is more challenging for nurses' to assess and manage their pain. Pain assessment and management is an important aspect of a nurses' role therefore they should be able to carry out efficient pain assessments. Aims This study will be conducted in order to gain a better understanding of nurses' experiences, while working on general medical ward, of pain management for people with dementia, in Scotland. This research would allow for the identification of whether further training and education is required in order to improve the nursing care of people with dementia. Methods The research study will follow a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive approach. Purposive sampling is used and the criteria would include registered nurses' with more than 6 months experience in their current post on a general medical ward. The method of data collection will be through interviews, lasting no longer than 30 minutes. Open-ended questions will be used throughout the interview. The data will be transcribed by an independent researcher, then analysed. The results will aim to develop theories and understanding of pain management for people with severe dementia in Scotland. A further aim is to highlight the need for further research of this topic in Scotland.