Using the Family Questionnaire to Recognize Dementia in Hospitalized Older Patients in Acute Care Setting

Rajaram, Sujata

Wednesday, 1 August 2012

Sujata Rajaram, RN, MSN (Gerontology)
Nursing, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore, Singapore

Learning Objective 1: "The learner will be able to know that the Family Questionnaire is used when no prior diagnosis of dementia is reported

Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to know that the Family Questionnaire definitely helps to provide better care for the family and friend.

Aim: Stress caused by acute illness and being in an unfamiliar surrounding, older patients show symptoms of dementia for the first time in hospital. Older patients with dementia are at much more higher risk than other older hospital patients admitted for delirium, falls, dehydration, inadequate nutrition, untreated pain and medication related problems. They are likely to wander, exhibit agitated and aggressive behaviors, be physically restrained and experience functional decline and cannot be discharged.

Method: The Family Questionnaire is used when no prior diagnosis of dementia is reported. A family member or friend who accompanies the patient to the hospital can be handed a print copy of the 7 item Family Questionnaire. This questionnaire is intended to identify memory problems that interfere with day to day activities. As the questions are asked the respondents have to circle the answer. There are 4 answers, 1) Not at all, 2) Sometimes, 3) Frequently and 4) N/A. Once the questionnaire is completed it is scored. Not at all or N/A = 0, Sometimes =1 and Frequently = 2. Score of 3 or more prompts further assessment. Score of 3-6 indicates possible dementia. Score of 7-10 indicates probable dementia. Higher the score the more likely the patient has dementia. Family Questionnaire was developed for the Chronic Care Networks for Alzheimer’s Association and the National Chronic Care Consortium in 1995.

Results: 15 family caregivers from 2 geriatric units were asked the 7 item questionnaire by Geriatric trained nurses. 5 of the family caregivers scored 8 to 10 meaning the family member had probable dementia. 4 of them scored 4 to 6 meaning possible dementia. 2 of them scored 3 prompting further assessment and 4 of them scored 0-2 meaning no dementia.

Conclusion: The Family Questionnaire definitely helps to provide better care for the family and friend.

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