Metasynthesis of Patients’ Perspectives about Reminiscence in Dementia Care

Abstract

Dementia is a serious condition that has become a public health priority worldwide. Reminiscence is the process of recollecting personal memories from the distant past. This metasynthesis aims to present a thorough analysis of available qualitative literature concerning patients’ perspectives about reminiscence in dementia care. A search of CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and ProQuest for qualitative studies published in English between 2005 and 2019 generated 110 studies. Eleven studies were retrieved, assessed for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool, and then synthesized according to Noblit and Hare’s seven-step approach. Metaphors were arranged in a list and translated into one another. Five reciprocal themes emerged: Promoting a Comfort Zone, Keeping the Conversation Going, Creating a Dynamic Life, Reliving Painful Memories and Emotional Turmoil, and Strengthening Inner Forces. Increased awareness of patients’ perspectives about reminiscence can help design a better framework for interventions that will serve this vulnerable population.

Keywords

dementia metasynthesis lived experiences qualitative approaches reminiscence

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