Att identifiera smärta hos personer med demenssjukdom : En litteraturstudie i omvårdnad

Sammanfattning: Background: Pain can be a constant problem in many older people's daily life, associated with particular physical and social disability, depression and poor quality of life. Dementia diseases are often associated with old age. Communication difficulties are one of the consequences of the disease, which clarifies the role of nursing staff in detecting and assessing pain. Objective: The aim was to compile knowledge about how nursing staff can identify pain in people with dementia. Method: A systematic literature review, where data were collected through manual and database searches. Databases Cinahl, Pubmed and electronic journal Health in the Nordic countries were used. Results: The results showed that pain-identification can be improved by knowing how the pain is reflected in different forms through physical and psychological reactions. Nursing staff knowledge and beliefs were essential for reliable pain assessment. It was also important to be able to see the relationship between cognitive function and pain perception, and to have access to pain assessment tools adapted to individual conditions. Conclusion: Living with constant pain can lead to unnecessary suffering and reduced quality of life. It’s important to be alert to changes in behaviours and habits of daily life. To provide good care, requires knowledge and engagement in caring for people with dementia.