Management of Aggression Among Demented or Brain-Injured Patients

Abstract

Nurses' responses to aggression among patients with dementia or brain injury are not fully informed by evidence-based interventions. For this reason, the primary purpose of this investigation was to delineate a conceptual framework of optimal therapeutic interventions to manage verbal and behavioral aggression among these individuals. Meta-synthesis methods were used, and findings from seven reports of qualitative research were synthesized. Therapeutic management of aggression among patients with dementia or brain injury was captured by the metaphor entering the patient's world. This process involves getting to know the patient behind the aggression and normalizing their experiences. Nurses are encouraged to become a part of the patient's world and to strive for mutual understanding and action. Patient negativity is downplayed and interactions are shaped in thoughtfully creative ways. Therapeutic management of aggression results in positive outcomes for nurses as well as patients.