Purpose: In acute care hospitals in Japan, a super-aging society, caring for older patients with dementia, who are at high risk for hospitalization-associated disability (HAD), is crucial. Thus, this study aimed to determine the type of interprofessional collaboration required to prevent HAD in older adults with dementia. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 staff members, and responses were qualitatively analyzed using a descriptive approach. Results: The analysis yielded the following three categories: (1) “Interprofessional collaboration for effective HAD prevention”; (2) “Interprofessional collaboration to adjust the medical care for older adults with dementia”; (3) “Interprofessional collaboration to ensure safety without physical restraints”. Conclusion: Broader interprofessional collaboration, including hospital and home care staff, is required along with interprofessional efforts to ensure safety while eliminating physical restraints, which can contribute to muscle weakness and helplessness.
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