Forced treatment and care in home-dwelling persons with dementia

Abstract

This study demonstrated a prevalence rate of formally documented decisions of forced treatment and care much lower than findings in previous studies. Poor documentation may constitute a risk for the safety and wellbeing of persons with dementia. Although physicians were usually responsible for the decisions, nurses and family members were often involved in the process. Family participation in forced treatment and care raises ethical dilemmas. More research on the experiences of nurses, persons with dementia and family members with forced treatment and care is needed to aid ethical, legal, and clinically challenging decision-making processes.