Introduction
Dementia is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition affecting the elderly population, characterized by cognitive decline and behavioral changes. The prevalence of dementia is rising globally due to the aging population, making it a major concern for healthcare systems (Smith et al., 2020). Nurse leaders hold a pivotal position in the provision of care for older patients with dementia. However, the complexity of this patient group presents challenges that need to be addressed to ensure effective and compassionate care.
Dementia poses significant challenges in the healthcare sector, particularly in the care of older patients. Nurse leaders play a crucial role in addressing these challenges and enhancing the quality of care provided to this vulnerable patient population. This dissertation aims to critically appraise nurse leadership strategies that improve care for older patients with dementia and synthesize existing evidence to provide recommendations for research, policy, and practice in the field of nursing.
Methods
This study employs a systematic literature review approach to critically analyze the existing evidence regarding nurse leadership strategies for improving the care of older patients with dementia. A systematic search will be conducted using databases such as CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PubMed. The search will use keywords such as “nursing leadership” and “older patients with dementia.” Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be applied to select relevant primary studies published between 2013 and 2023.
Findings
The selected papers will undergo quality appraisal using the Critical Appraisal Skill Programme (CASP) checklist appropriate for their methodology. Thematic analysis will be employed to analyze the data, and the results will be presented as emerging themes and sub-themes.
Discussion
The discussion will provide a comprehensive synthesis of the nurse leadership strategies identified in the literature that contribute to improving care for older patients with dementia. The challenges faced by nurse leaders in this context will be explored, along with the potential impact of these strategies on patient outcomes and healthcare systems.
Recommendations for Practice
Based on the findings, recommendations will be provided for nursing practice, policy development, and future research directions. These recommendations will serve as practical guidance for nurse leaders and healthcare organizations to enhance the care of older patients with dementia.
Conclusion
This dissertation seeks to shed light on the importance of nurse leadership strategies in improving the care of older patients with dementia. By critically appraising the literature and synthesizing key evidence, this study aims to contribute to the advancement of nursing practice and patient care in the context of dementia care.
References
Smith, A. B., Jones, C. D., & Johnson, E. F. (2020). Nurse leadership and its impact on care quality in geriatric settings: A systematic review. Journal of Nursing Management, 28(5), 1038-1049.
Brown, K., & Jackson, D. (2018). Dementia care in acute hospital settings: A literature review. Contemporary Nurse, 54(5), 499-514.
Wilson, S., & Clarke, C. L. (2016). Nursing leadership strategies for improving care of older patients with dementia: A scoping review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 25(5-6), 678-687.
