Dementia‐Friendly Hospital—The Perspective of Professional Dementia Experts

Abstract

AimTo investigate the professional dementia experts' understanding of a dementia‐friendly hospital to identify its characteristics.DesignWe used a qualitative design embedded in a case study. A total of 16 semi‐structured expert interviews were conducted with 17 professional dementia experts. Using inductive content analysis, the interviews were analysed in a participatory manner involving a group of researchers and dementia experts.ResultsWe identified six characteristics of dementia‐friendly hospitals: Proud to be dementia‐friendly—That's what we want; Seeing the human being—Taking care of everyone; Having everyone on board—It's a collective task; Being professional—It takes more than being nice and kind; Rethinking the ‘running’ system—We have to change, not them; and Being part of the community—Thinking beyond the hospital.ConclusionThe concept of a dementia‐friendly hospital seems complex and requires a rethinking of the traditional hospital. For a conceptualisation, the involvement of people with dementia and their relatives is important to gain a comprehensive understanding.Implications for the Profession and Patient CareA dementia‐friendly hospital is characterised by professional care that comprises a safe, familiar and supportive environment, is prepared but also flexible, has everyone on board, and sees the human being. To become dementia‐friendly, individual interventions such as training courses can be a starting point. However, an overall concept is required that also includes components that contribute to successful implementation and a welcoming culture of people with dementia.ImpactOur findings on the perspective of professional dementia experts contribute to the conceptualisation of dementia‐friendly hospitals.Reporting MethodWe reported our study according to the COREQ checklist.Patient and Public ContributionThe investigation of the perspective of professional dementia experts is one part of a larger study. In this overall DEMfriendlyHospital study, we interviewed professional dementia experts, people with dementia and their relatives and also involved them in a participatory manner in various stages of the research process.