Wollney EN, Bylund CL, Bedenfield N, Parker ND, Rosselli M, Curiel Cid RE, Kitaigorodsky M, Armstrong MJ. Persons living with dementia and caregivers' communication preferences for receiving a dementia diagnosis.
PEC INNOVATION 2024;
4:100253. [PMID:
38298558 PMCID:
PMC10828581 DOI:
10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100253]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Objective
As the number of individuals diagnosed with dementia increases, so does the need to understand the preferences of persons living with dementia (PLWD) and caregivers for how clinicians can deliver a dementia diagnosis effectively, which can be a difficult process. This study describes the diagnostic communication preferences of PLWD and caregivers.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured individual phone interviews with two groups: PLWD who were diagnosed in the past two years (n = 11) and family caregivers of PLWD (n = 19) living in Florida. PLWD and caregivers were not recruited/enrolled as dyads.
Results
The groups' communication preferences were largely similar. Data were analyzed thematically into five themes: communicate the diagnosis clearly, meet information needs, discuss PLWD/caregiver resources, prepare for continued care, and communicate to establish and maintain relationships.
Conclusion
Participants wanted clear communication, information, and support, but differed in some details (e.g. the language used to describe the diagnosis and the amount/type of desired information). Clinicians can apply general principles but will need to tailor them to individual preferences of PLWD and caregivers.
Innovation
Limited research has elicited PLWD and caregivers' communication preferences for receiving dementia diagnoses, particularly through an individualized data collection method allowing for richer descriptions and deeper understanding.
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