156 A SIGN IN TIME…; WHAT IMPACT DOES THE INTRODUCTION OF SIGNAGE HAVE FOR DEMENTIA PATIENTS? – A STAFF PERSPECTIVE

Abstract Background Dementia is often seen as a presenting or existing medical condition for older adults attending hospital services. There are over 64,000 people in Ireland living with dementia. A hospital-wide environmental audit of an acute Irish was completed using the National Audit tool. priority action from this introduction new dementia-friendly signage key patient areas across hospital, including nurses’ stations, toilets and bedrooms. Methods Random selection used to distribute staff questionnaires, gathering their perceptions on effectiveness signage. These questionnaires were multiple-choice based. Results Forty-six 11 wards at least 4 different disciplines. Over 70% members noticed prior survey completion. Twenty-eight percent felt that patients required less prompting topographically orientate themselves. 75% helped improve overall orientation by either small, moderate significant amount. 40% feel ward dementia-friendly. Conclusion The implementation has had positive impact in-patients dementia, improving promoting independence levels group. Dementia-friendliness improved but further exploration area required.