Relationship-Centered Care and Humanitude

# Abstract This narrative literature review investigates the efficacy of relationship-centered care approaches, particularly the Humanitude methodology, in reducing care refusal among people living with dementia (PLWD). With care refusal affecting up to 60% of PLWD, this phenomenon presents significant challenges to healthcare delivery, quality of life for care recipients, and caregiver well-being. The study synthesizes current evidence on the prevalence, causes, and consequences of care refusal; examines relationship-centered care approaches in nursing; and explores how Humanitude techniques can contribute to reducing care refusal. Results indicate that relationship-centered care, especially Humanitude's focus on professionalizing gaze, speech, touch, and verticality, can significantly improve care quality, reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms, and alleviate caregiver burnout. Studies report a decrease in care refusal incidents, improved cooperation during care activities, and increased caregiver satisfaction following Humanitude implementation. However, successful integration of these approaches requires overcoming challenges such as changes in organizational culture. The review emphasizes the need for comprehensive training programs, ongoing support, and integration into nursing education curricula. Although promising, current research is limited by small-scale studies and heterogeneous implementation methods. Future research should focus on large-scale longitudinal studies across diverse healthcare settings to establish long-term efficacy and cost-effectiveness. As the global prevalence of dementia increases, incorporating relationship-centered approaches like Humanitude into nursing practice and education could revolutionize care quality for PLWD and significantly improve healthcare professionals' well-being.