The experience of health care workers in a dementia care tertiary setting

The purpose of this study is to explore individual experiences of health care staff when working within dementia tertiary care. The study follows qualitative methods through the use of interviews with nine staff on a one to one basis about what they think, feel and experience daily. Through examining daily routines associated with various positions and roles, this allows for any positives experiences, challenges and recommendations to be discussed from the perspectives of care staff. Therefore, by investigating individual’s experiences this enables a greater understanding of what it is like for healthcare professionals working with patients who have dementia in a hospital setting. Staff identified or suggested specific areas that could be changed or improved from their perspective these included: the physical environment, the care environment, education and training and ensuring that staff maintain a good level of health and wellbeing. However, many healthcare staff focused on positive aspects of their work and aim to provide high quality care. Furthermore these outcomes can demonstrate areas for change, which then encourages further research or development in this area of care.