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BMC Geriatrics
Published in: BMC Geriatrics 1/2020

01-12-2020 | Dementia | Research article

Acute hospital staff’s attitudes towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge: a cross-sectional survey in Ireland

Authors: Brian Keogh, Wing Ting To, Louise Daly, Geralyn Hynes, Siobhan Kennelly, Brian Lawlor, Suzanne Timmons, Susan O’Reilly, Mairead Bracken-Scally, Aurelia Ciblis, Natalie Cole, Amanda Drury, Chiara Pittalis, Brendan Kennelly, Mary McCarron, Anne-Marie Brady

Published in: BMC Geriatrics | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Little is known about staff’s attitudes in Irish acute hospital settings towards people living with dementia and their perceived dementia knowledge. The aim of this study was to understand the general level of dementia knowledge and attitudes towards dementia in different types of hospital staff, as well as to explore the potential influence of previous dementia training and experience (having a family member with dementia) and the potential moderating effects of personal characteristics. This data was required to plan and deliver general and targeted educational interventions to raise awareness of dementia throughout the acute services.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out among a diverse range of hospital staff (n = 1795) in three urban acute general hospitals in Ireland, including doctors, nurses, healthcare attendants, allied professionals, and general support staff. Participants’ perceived dementia knowledge and attitudes were assessed as well as their previous dementia training and experience. To measure participant’s attitude towards dementia, the validated Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ) was used.

Results

Hospital staff demonstrated positive attitudes towards people living with dementia, and believed they had a fair to moderate understanding of dementia. Both ‘having previous dementia training’ and ‘having a relative living with dementia’ predicted attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge. Interestingly, certain personal staff characteristics did impact dementia training in predicting attitude towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge.

Conclusion

This study provides a baseline of data regarding the attitudes towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge for hospital staff in Irish acute hospitals. The results can inform educational initiatives that target different hospital staff, in order to increase awareness and knowledge to improve quality of dementia care in Irish hospitals.
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Metadata
Title
Acute hospital staff’s attitudes towards dementia and perceived dementia knowledge: a cross-sectional survey in Ireland
Authors
Brian Keogh
Wing Ting To
Louise Daly
Geralyn Hynes
Siobhan Kennelly
Brian Lawlor
Suzanne Timmons
Susan O’Reilly
Mairead Bracken-Scally
Aurelia Ciblis
Natalie Cole
Amanda Drury
Chiara Pittalis
Brendan Kennelly
Mary McCarron
Anne-Marie Brady
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keywords
Dementia
Dementia
Published in
BMC Geriatrics / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2318
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-020-01783-6

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