Community nurses’ views on information provision at dementia diagnosis: A cross-sectional survey

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be overwhelming. Information provided to people with dementia and their support persons following diagnosis is suboptimal. Community nurses have a significant role in providing care to people with dementia. This study examined community nurses’ views on the information that should be provided to people with dementia at diagnosis, and how it should be delivered. Participants completed an online survey including nine items about the type of information that should be delivered at diagnosis, and three items about strategies for information delivery. Most participants (n=92; 96.7-100%) agreed with providing information about topics including future dementia symptoms, lifestyle modifications, and Advance Care Directives. Fewer participants (66.3%) agreed with providing information about probable life expectancy. There was strong support (98.9%) for offering a follow-up consultation within two weeks of the diagnosis. These findings represent a first exploration of community nurses’ views on optimal dementia care.