Evaluation of Nursing Care Quality for Alzheimer's Patients During Hospitalization

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease constitutes one of the most challenging medical conditions of our time, requiring specialized care during hospitalizations. This study evaluated family members' perceptions of nursing care quality provided to hospitalized Alzheimer's patients. A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative design was used with 85 family members of Alzheimer's patients at a private hospital institution in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during June-December 2024. A validated 34-item questionnaire was applied evaluating four dimensions: physical care, emotional/psychological care, communication quality, and general satisfaction. Results revealed a regular perception of care quality (average 3.1/5.0) with significant variations between dimensions. Communication emerged as the main strength (3.5/5.0, 50.6% satisfaction), while emotional/psychological care represented the greatest deficiency (2.6/5.0, 55.3% dissatisfaction). Significant positive correlations were identified between all dimensions (p<0.01), with the strongest being between physical care and general satisfaction (r=0.724). The most influential sociodemographic factors were time elapsed since diagnosis (strong negative effect) and family member's educational level (positive effect). Spouses evaluated care significantly more positively than daughters and cousins. The findings offer evidence for designing strategies that improve emotional care and strengthen communication, contributing to knowledge about care quality in patients with dementia.