What is effective physiotherapy for dementia and how do we get there: a qualitative study

Dementia is a leading cause of disability. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in caring for people with dementia. However, previous research has found that physiotherapists have low knowledge and confidence working with people with dementia.

To determine: 1) What are the components of effective physiotherapy care for people with dementia; and 2) What can be done to facilitate the provision of effective physiotherapy care.

This was a qualitative study using an interpretive description approach. Sixteen physiotherapists experienced in dementia care participated in semi-structured interviews. Researchers analyzed data using thematic analysis.

Two themes were created for each research objective. The themes explaining the components of effective physiotherapy care were: 1) engaging the person with dementia (subthemes: knowing the person with dementia; using knowledge to adapt the approach to successfully deliver physiotherapy treatments; optimizing the physical environment) and 2) collaborative care (subthemes: working with care partners; working as an interdisciplinary team). The themes describing how to facilitate provision of effective care were: 1) Physiotherapists require "greater opportunity for mentoring and education on dementia care" and 2) Physiotherapists must "advocate for the role of physiotherapy in dementia care."

These findings provide important information regarding the components of effective dementia care for physiotherapists and will help guide clinical practice, inform future dementia education, research, and professional organization advocacy initiatives.