The influence of elderly patients' mental impairment on nurse-patient interaction

The study investigates nurse-patient interaction on a geriatric ward. The Clifton Assessment Procedure for the Elderly was used to measure cognitive and behavioural functioning and the 23 subjects studied were divided into three groups: lucid; slightly confused; and confused or demented. Information relating to the subjects' activities and interactions with nursing staff was gained from time sampling by direct observation. One hundred and eighteen nurses also completed a questionnaire to elicit their priorities in care. The results reveal very low levels of staff-patient communication. Nurses interact significantly less with confused than lucid patients. Patients spent only 9.7% of observed time in self-care activities, and 5.9% eating and drinking; the remaining time they were inactive. Nursing staff, however, regarded their care priority as physical care rather than psychosocial interaction or restorative activities.