Risk management and decision-making in dementia care

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Science
• Dementia Care

Background:

• Risk perception in dementia care varies among nurses based on clinical background and context.
• Understanding diverse risk factors is essential for providing safe and effective care to individuals with dementia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline social, psychological, and physical risk factors for people with dementia.
• To emphasize the nurse's role in identifying, assessing, and managing risks.
• To encourage a proactive, person-centered approach to risk management in dementia care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on risk factors in dementia care.
• Discussion of the importance of context and individual nurse perspectives in risk assessment.
• Exploration of resources, policies, and legislation supporting risk management.

Main Results:

• Identified social, psychological, and physical risk factors relevant across the dementia lifespan.
• Highlighted the variability in risk perception among nurses.
• Stressed the need for nurses to be aware of support systems for decision-making.

Conclusions:

• Nurses require enhanced confidence and skills in identifying and managing dementia-related risks.
• A proactive, person-centered approach is vital for minimizing harm to people with dementia, families, and carers.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration and awareness of support structures are key to effective dementia risk management.