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The relationship between patient behaviour and environmental quality for the dementing
1High Royds Hospital, Ilkey, UK.
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Hospital ward environment quality impacts dementia patient behavior. Specific practices and social provisions influence activity levels and appropriateness, highlighting the need for tailored care settings.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Environmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Limited research exists on the link between long-term hospital care quality and dementia patient behavior.
- Previous studies explored this relationship in different patient groups and settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between environmental quality in long-term hospital care settings and the behavior of dementia patients.
- To identify specific environmental factors influencing patient behavior.
Main Methods:
- Assessed five aspects of environmental quality using a rating scale.
- Selected seven wards with varying quality levels.
- Categorized and recorded patient behavior through direct observation.
Main Results:
- Institutional ward practices correlated with abnormal motor activity and inappropriate behavior.
- Social/recreational provision linked to increased social behavior and reduced inactivity, but excessive provision also showed negative behavioral associations.
- Lack of reality orientation cues and better ward condition were linked to inappropriate behavior.
- Space availability showed no association with behavioral patterns.
Conclusions:
- Certain environmental aspects significantly influence dementia patient behavior in hospital settings.
- Further research is recommended in both hospital and non-hospital environments to optimize care.
- Findings suggest environmental modifications could improve patient well-being and reduce behavioral disturbances.