Besoins des Soignants, Experts en santé mentale et patients atteints de la maladie d’Alzheimer et de leurs familles admis dans les hôpitaux de la ville de Kananga : Défis et attentes en matière de soins

The care of Alzheimer's patients in the city of Kananga in particular, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo in general, poses many challenges, both in terms of nursing care and family expectations. This study aims to understand the needs and expectations of elderly people with Alzheimer's disease, their family members and healthcare staff in terms of care. It opts for a qualitative approach using non-probability convenience sampling. It is an exploratory descriptive qualitative study that aims at a careful and systematic description of what is perceived by patients, families, caregivers and mental health care experts. Data collection was cross-sectional. It applies the phenomenological method, which aims for a careful and systematic description of what is perceived by these key informants. The data collected reveal t hat Alzheimer's patients in Kananga face nursing care challenges due to their vulnerability linked to loss of autonomy, management of daily activities and cognitive impairment. The need for medical care, particularly in managing treatments and drug interactions, is crucial but insufficiently covered. Social aspects, such as isolation and stigmatization, profoundly affect patients and their families, who face a lack of resources to address them. Mental and emotional disorders, such as confusion, agitation and depression, also complicate care management. Patients and families expect a holistic approach, integrating medical, social and psychological care.