Caring for older people with dementia in the emergency department

Background: Admission to an emergency department (ED) may expose the older person with dementia to a range of negative consequences, including a deterioration in their behavioural symptoms. The authors conducted a review of primary research relating to the experiences of older people with dementia, their carers and ED nurses, to understand how these experiences might inform nursing practice. Methods: Integrative review with a search of the electronic databases of Medline, CINAHL and PSYCHINFO using specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Three themes were identified: carers and older people with dementia-waiting and worrying; nurses juggling priorities; and strategies for improvement-taking a partnership approach. Conclusion: Older people with dementia may be exposed to disparities in treatment in the ED. A practice partnership between carers and ED nurses may help to prevent this. ED nurses need support to blend technical- and relationship-centred care. Participatory research exploring the experiences of older people with dementia, their carers and ED nurses is needed.