Examining a model for identifying and managing distress behaviours in people with dementia in acute hospitals: a case study

Distress behaviours are common in people with dementia and often suggest unmet needs. Distress behaviours can be the reason for hospital admission and may be where nurses can struggle to support patients effectively. There is also a range of terminology used relating to distress behaviours. Formulations to identify causes of distress behaviours are not commonly used in hospitals. The Newcastle challenging behaviour team's model is an existing formulation to identify both the cause of and potential support for unmet needs identified by distress behaviours. An education tool has been recently developed by the author based in St Thomas' hospital. This provides guidance to develop knowledge of using the model, and has had positive informal feedback, although it needs evaluation. A case study to identify the cause of distress behaviours is provided, using the Newcastle challenging behaviour team's guidance questions to identify pain as a likely trigger.