Date of Conferral

7-2-2026

Date of Award

July 2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Kelly Fisher

Abstract

Persons with dementia frequent emergency departments (EDs), but ED staff lack understanding of cognitive impairment and evidence-base management of these symptoms, which sometimes results to unsafe encounters, aggression, agitation and assault with or without injuries. As a result, staff may resort to physical or chemical restraints to maintain safety for patients, staff, and the milieu. It is essential for staff in the ED to understand the disease process, recognize behavioral triggers, and apply evidence-based non-pharmacological interventions. The purpose of this project was to provide education to ED staff to enhance their understanding of cognitive disorders and dementia in the elderly and to introduce evidence-based behavior management techniques tailored to this population. The project-focused question is: Will education about the cognitive impairment disease process and the use understanding of evidence-based non-pharmacological behavior management techniques reduce unsafe escalating behaviors in elderly patients with dementia while boarding in the ED? The goal was to improve clinical outcomes and safety by equipping ED staff with effective, non-pharmacological strategies to manage escalating behaviors in elderly patients with cognitive impairment. Following the educational intervention, ED staff can demonstrate understanding of different types of cognitive impairment in the elderly, recognize triggers and precipitating factors contributing to behavioral dysregulation, and understand non-pharmacological interventions to reduce unsafe behaviors and minimize reliance on restraints or emergency psychotropic medications.

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