Nonpharmacological tactile activity interventions for reducing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in the acute hospital setting: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim: To review existing research on nonpharmacological tactile activity interventions for reducing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in the acute hospital setting. Background: When people living with dementia are admitted to hospital, they often experience an exacerbation of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Pharmacological interventions are often used to manage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia despite the low success rate and the heightened risk of morbidity and mortality. Low-cost alternatives that are implementable at the bedside are nonpharmacological interventions such as tactile activity interventions. Design: An integrative review of the literature. Methods: Four databases were searched using the PRISMA framework to guide the search and screening. Eligible studies were identified and the quality of each was evaluated using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify and analyse key themes across all articles. The PRISMA checklist was used to evaluate the current study. Results: Seven studies examined the use of tactile activity interventions to reduce the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and the barriers and facilitators to implementation. Conclusion: There is limited evidence exploring tactile activity interventions for reducing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in acute hospital settings. Individualised approaches in combination with staffing expertise appear central to implementation. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Acute hospital settings can result in increased behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia which can be distressing for patients and family and challenging for nursing staff. Tactile activity interventions may offer a low resource bedside option to support people with dementia in acute health settings. Patient or Public Contribution: No direct patient or public contribution to the review.