Barriers and facilitators to implementing person-centred care among people living with dementia in nursing homes: a qualitative study #MMPMID41345586
Guan X; Duan AM; Xin GK; Oyebode J; Liu Y
BMC Geriatr 2025[Dec]; 25 (1): 996 PMID41345586show ga
BACKGROUND: Person-centred care is considered the gold standard for long-term care of people living with dementia, yet there remains a significant gap between this standard and its actual implementation. Integrating this Western-developed approach into the distinct cultural context of Chinese nursing homes presents unique challenges. Currently, there is a lack of qualitative research exploring the barriers and facilitators faced by Chinese nursing home staff in implementing person-centred care for people living with dementia. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the barriers and facilitators encountered by nursing home staff in implementing person-centred care for people living with dementia. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive approach was adopted. METHODS: Purposive sampling was employed to recruit a total of 17 staff members or managers (including dean, supervisors, nurses, caregivers, social workers, or interns) from two nursing homes in China. In-depth, face-to-face, one-to-one interviews were conducted with all participants using a semi-structured interview guide, with field notes taken after each interview. Data collection continued until data saturation. Qualitative content analysis was employed. RESULTS: Data analysis resulted in four themes, each encompassing both barriers and facilitators: nursing and care staff factors, family factors, organizational factors, resource factors. Notably, limited remuneration and benefits, low social status, high staff turnover rates, challenges in addressing the non-cognitive symptoms of dementia, and inadequate training were found to be the primary barriers to the implementation of person-centred dementia care. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that nursing home staff encounter numerous barriers and needs in implementing person-centred care for people living with dementia. To effectively address these challenges, there is a need to enhance staff education and training, improve benefits and working conditions for nursing home staff, and increase societal support for nursing homes. Collaborative efforts are required to promote dementia care practices, truly embodying the person-centered care philosophy and enhancing the quality of care for people living with dementia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is part of a mixed-methods study, which has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registration Center. Available from:. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2400086418.
BMC+Geriatr 2025 ; 25 (1): 996
