PASLAUGAS NAMUOSE TEIKIANČIŲ SLAUGYTOJŲ VAIDMUO ĮTARIANT PACIENTAMS DEMENCIJĄ: PATIRČIŲ ANALIZĖ

Abstract

Dementia is now understood not only as a neurological disorder, but also as a global long-term healthcare challenge that affects patient safety and quality of life. In Lithuania, approximately 43,000 cases of dementia were diagnosed in 2024, but up to 75% of them remain undiagnosed. Early detection of dementia allows for care planning, reduces the risk of complications, and improves the patient’s cognitive functions. Nurses working in primary health care who provide home care services become an important link in early diagnosis due to their constant contact with patients. This article analyzes the experience of nurses in the home care process when they suspect possible signs of dementia or cognitive impairment. The aim of the study is to reveal the experiences of nurses providing home care when dementia is suspected in patients during the home care process. The study was conducted using a qualitative phenomenological methodology focused on the subjective experiences of nurses providing home care. Data were collected in February-March 2025 using semi-structured in-depth interviews (n=10), applying targeted selection and the snowball method. Qualitative content analysis was used for data analysis. The results revealed three key themes: (1) recognition of signs of cognitive impairment in the home environment - caregivers most often identify changes in memory, thinking, behavior, mood, orientation, and daily activities, based on observations made by relatives, and use orientation questions and integrated questionnaires such as the Mini-Mental State Examination or the Adendruk scale as a mini-assessment of mental status; (2) actions taken by nurses when dementia is suspected - informing the family doctor, documenting, adjusting the frequency of visits, ensuring a safe environment, and educating relatives; (3) Challenges - lack of time, lack of knowledge, lack of assessment tools, stigmatized attitudes of relatives, and lack of interdisciplinary communication. The study confirms the importance of the role of nurses in the early diagnosis of dementia and reveals the need to standardize assessment protocols, strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation, and integrate training on the early symptoms of dementia.
Keywords: cognitive impairment, dementia, early symptoms of dementia, nurse, home health care services.