Related Experiment Videos
Outcome measures for routine use in dementia services: some practical considerations.
I J Higginson1, P M Jefferys, C S Hodgson
1London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London.
Quality in Health Care : QHC
|August 5, 1997
Summary
Outcome measures for dementia services are practical and acceptable for routine use by staff and carers. These tools aid structured assessment and service evaluation, improving dementia care quality.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Psychology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Specialist dementia services require validated tools for routine practice.
- Assessing the practicality and acceptability of outcome measures is crucial for effective dementia care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and user acceptance of specific outcome measures within specialist dementia care settings.
- To determine the suitability of these measures for routine implementation in dementia services.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based assessment of staff views on six outcome measures across seven diverse specialist dementia services.
- Involved 20 staff members from various disciplines within the dementia care teams.
Main Results:
- Outcome measures were rated as easy to use, relevant to dementia services and carers, and took 15-30 minutes to administer.
- Staff found the measures useful for structured assessment and service evaluation, emphasizing the need for sensitive application with carers.
Conclusions:
- Identified outcome measures are suitable and acceptable for routine use in dementia services, encompassing key functioning domains for individuals with dementia and their carers.
- Successful implementation necessitates management support, staff buy-in, adequate training, and acknowledgment of staff concerns regarding service evaluation.