DementiaI had engaged myself in an online dementia course, as on placement I encounter many patientswhom have dementia and I sometimes find it difficult to learn how tocommunicate with them. Dementia is in other words a verycommon world-wide issue.
I found the course to be highly interesting andhelpful in that it introduced me to what it actually means to have dementia, thedifferent types of dementia and the causes of it. It has helped me gain abroad understanding of the symptoms of the condition. This all has helped me understandhow patients with dementia may present with difficulties within the radiographyenvironment. It had also taught me about some of the warningsigns to look as dementia is not always easy identifiable in everyone, thus hashelped me understand and support the needs of people withdementiaWorkingin the radiography department, I have had to deal with many dementia patientswhom can be quiet difficult patients to work with. However by understanding theactual disease itself and knowing ways on how to the deal with the situation e.g.
using a person-centred approach, justsimply makes a big difference, not only for the dementia patients but also formyself. The guidelines have made aware Overall, I feel this online course programmeand reflection has helped me more confidently to work with dementia patients,by making sure that the care they are given is patient centre. I had also read up on and made noteson the Society of Radiographers guidelines recommendations on how to deal with dementiacare patients. The guidelines explain that dementia patients have their own personalsense of reality and therefore they may get distressed due to being in adifferent environment.
These guidelines and the online course I haveundertaken have helped improved my skillsand awareness which are vitally required in order to support people withdementia and their care. Every patient has the right to receive compassionate care, regardless if theyhave dementia or not.The guidelines havehelped me understand that dementia patients all differ as their symptomsmanifest differently.
Therefore, each patient is required to have personalcentred care.The guidelines andcourse have made me understand the importance of getting family membersand careers involved in helping with the examination as they know the patientwell and how to approach the situation, this was something I was totally unawareoff. I knownow the importance of using aflexible approach and to always be creative towards dementia patients. Dementia is an area inclinical practice in which I continue to develop throughout my training throughexperience and further reflections. I will also aim toundergo further training and development opportunities that may arise on how todeal with dementia needs. This will enable me to challenge my skills andattitudes.
