Nurses' knowledge regarding the care given to older adults with depression in an elderly institutional setting

Abstract

The World Health Organization predicts that depression will be the leading illness by the year 2020 (World Health Organization (WHO), 2002). Although depression is being given Its due importance in the delivery of mental health care, depression in older adults lacks the required focus particularly in due to its particular aspects that make it different from other age groups. The purpose of this study was to explore the nurses' knowledge regarding the care given to older adults with depression in an elderly institutional setting based on Barbara Carper's Model (1978) and Carl Rogers (1967). Through the use of a quantitative exploratory descriptive design', (n=63) nursing professionals from eighteen elderly wards participated in the study by completing a self-administered questionnaire. For anonymity reasons the questionnaires were distributed by a link person who also collected them and were than given to the researcher. The results indicated that the majority of nurses do possess knowledge about elderly depression but due to certain barriers this could hinder their abilities in delivering patient-centered care. Further recommendations where done and include more collaboration between the management and healthcare professionals in identifying depression and delivering patient-centered care and engage in therapeutic relationships and education through continuous development courses.