Dissertation Title: Enhancing Dementia Care for Older Adults: Nurse Leadership Strategies and Care Delivery Challenges – A Systematic Literature Review
Research Methodology: Systematic literature review methodology involving structured database searching, screening, critical appraisal, and thematic synthesis of existing peer-reviewed studies.
Research Design: Qualitative systematic review design synthesising qualitative and mixed-methods studies to identify themes related to nurse leadership and dementia care challenges.
Abstract
Background: Dementia remains one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions affecting older adults, often presenting significant behavioural, psychosocial, and environmental challenges in clinical settings. Although extensive research has explored risk factors and patient-related difficulties, comparatively limited attention has been given to the challenges nurses face and the leadership approaches required to support effective dementia care.
Research Aim: This review aimed to identify nurse leadership strategies that enhance the quality of care delivered to older adults living with dementia.
Methodology: A systematic literature review was undertaken. Searches were conducted across three electronic databases—CINAHL, PsycINFO and PubMed (Medline). Studies were screened using predefined eligibility criteria, and five peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion threshold for full analysis.
Results: The review identified several factors contributing to challenges in dementia care, including disruptive patient behaviours, unfamiliar or poorly adapted care environments, and the physical layout of ward spaces. Nurse leadership strategies shown to mitigate these challenges included developing specialised dementia-focused knowledge frameworks, promoting teamwork as an organisational norm, and cultivating therapeutic and trusting relationships with patients. Additionally, policies that emphasised continuity of care and effective information exchange across the care continuum were associated with improved care outcomes.
Conclusion: Effective nurse leadership plays a crucial role in addressing the complex challenges of dementia care. Leadership strategies grounded in specialised expertise, strong teamwork, and strengthened care continuity can significantly enhance nurses’ ability to support older adults with dementia and improve overall care quality.
Keywords: Dementia; older adults; nurse leadership; care challenges; continuity of care; teamwork
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