Abstract
Background:
Workforce training, commitment to good quality continuing care and services for people living with dementia are World Health Organisation priorities. However, the reality is that research and training on advanced dementia is scarce, and focus on terminal stages and dying rather than on living well with advanced dementia. This highlights the importance, in the face of the rising incidence of dementia, for accessible education on advanced dementia.
Methods:
Literature on the extended palliative phase of dementia, dementia policies and action plans was reviewed. Twenty two in-depth case studies that focused on the experience of advanced dementia care in ‘typical’ care settings in seven European countries were carried out. The availability of dementia education was scoped and an educational gap analysis undertaken.
Results:
We found a lack of accessible education on advanced dementia care to support professionals to provide evidence informed care. Evidenced informed educational resources to address this gap in European education have been developed. The European Best Practice Statement is a guide to promote consistent and cohesive approach to advanced dementia care. An international online Community of Practice has been designed, this virtual space is designed to facilitate practitioners from across Europe to share and learn from one another. Four modules on advanced dementia care have also been developed; these will be delivered by seven European Higher Educations Institutions.
Conclusion
Advanced dementia can last many months or years. During this time, people with dementia and their family need to be supported by a qualified and confident care workforce, who is both evidence informed and supported to continually develop their practice. The resources developed have the potential to equip qualified practitioners, such as doctors, nurses, allied health and social care professionals to champion change and achieve the delivery of best advanced dementia practice based on the Dementia Palliare approach.
Workforce training, commitment to good quality continuing care and services for people living with dementia are World Health Organisation priorities. However, the reality is that research and training on advanced dementia is scarce, and focus on terminal stages and dying rather than on living well with advanced dementia. This highlights the importance, in the face of the rising incidence of dementia, for accessible education on advanced dementia.
Methods:
Literature on the extended palliative phase of dementia, dementia policies and action plans was reviewed. Twenty two in-depth case studies that focused on the experience of advanced dementia care in ‘typical’ care settings in seven European countries were carried out. The availability of dementia education was scoped and an educational gap analysis undertaken.
Results:
We found a lack of accessible education on advanced dementia care to support professionals to provide evidence informed care. Evidenced informed educational resources to address this gap in European education have been developed. The European Best Practice Statement is a guide to promote consistent and cohesive approach to advanced dementia care. An international online Community of Practice has been designed, this virtual space is designed to facilitate practitioners from across Europe to share and learn from one another. Four modules on advanced dementia care have also been developed; these will be delivered by seven European Higher Educations Institutions.
Conclusion
Advanced dementia can last many months or years. During this time, people with dementia and their family need to be supported by a qualified and confident care workforce, who is both evidence informed and supported to continually develop their practice. The resources developed have the potential to equip qualified practitioners, such as doctors, nurses, allied health and social care professionals to champion change and achieve the delivery of best advanced dementia practice based on the Dementia Palliare approach.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 8 Feb 2017 |
| Event | CARE4 International Scientific Nursing and Midwifery congress - University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium Duration: 8 Feb 2017 → 10 Feb 2017 https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/conferences/care4/programme-second-edi/programme-2017/ |
Conference
| Conference | CARE4 International Scientific Nursing and Midwifery congress |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Belgium |
| City | Antwerp |
| Period | 8/02/17 → 10/02/17 |
| Internet address |
