Researchers: Perla Werner¹, Tzvi Dwolatzky², Anat Engel³, Mickey Dudkiewicz⁴, Helen Malka Zeevi⁵

Background: “Patient-centered” care is recognized as one of the best approaches to improve treatment outcomes among people with dementia. However, its implementation in hospitals is limited and complex, despite the considerable number of persons with cognitive deterioration in these institutions.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine medical staff perceptions regarding the implementation of the "patient-centered" approach with people with dementia and its correlates in the hospital setting. An extended model of the Theory of Planned Behavior was used as the theoretical framework.

Method: A cross-sectional study using a self-reporting structured questionnaire was conducted with 678 medical staff members (69.1% nurses, 25.7% physicians, 5.1% health professionals) in five hospitals across the country.

Findings: Overall, the participants reported moderately positive attitudes in the three dimensions evaluating the implementation of the “patient-centered” approach with people with dementia. Study variables explained 21% to 31% of the variance in the dependent variable. Organizational variables – such as having clear guidelines on the topic and the organization's climate – were the main correlates of participants' perceptions in all dimensions.

Conclusions: The use of an extended model of the Theory of Planned Behavior provided an adequate framework for understanding the research topic and may guide in the development of interventions. Hospital staff members have adequate perceptions for implementing a "patient-centered" approach with people with dementia, but need clear guidelines and support from their institution.

Recommendations: The implementation of the patient-centered approach in hospitals is contingent on organizational factors rather than on changing perceptions.

Research end date: 06/2020