Understanding Care for People with Dementia in Hospitals
Author Information
Author(s): Shadreck Mwale, Andy Northcott, Kate Featherstone
Primary Institution: Geller Institute of Ageing and Memory, University of West London
Hypothesis
How do ethnicity, gender, and social class intersect to shape the care of people living with dementia in acute hospital settings?
Conclusion
The study reveals that institutional racism and biases related to gender and social class significantly affect the care experiences of people living with dementia in hospitals.
Supporting Evidence
- People living with dementia experience systemic inequalities in hospital settings.
- Ethnicity, gender, and social class intersect to influence care practices.
- Patients of color are often subjected to stricter control measures compared to their white counterparts.
Takeaway
This study shows that people with dementia are treated differently in hospitals based on their race, gender, and social class, which can lead to unfair care practices.
Methodology
The study used a 3-year multi-sited ethnography in NHS acute hospital wards, focusing on the everyday cultures of care.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in care practices based on race, gender, and social class were identified.
Limitations
The study may not represent all hospital settings as it was conducted in specific wards across three hospitals.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on older adults living with dementia, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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