Best practice summary of dementia care guidelines based on the Competence Onion Model

The study addresses the growing challenge of ensuring high-quality dementia care, particularly in light of increasing numbers of people with dementia and the complex needs associated with dementia. It identifies a gap in existing dementia care guidelines, especially the lack of integration across the various competencies required by nursing professionals.

To search, evaluate and integrate the best available evidence on dementia care content from relevant guidelines.

This study has been registered and approved, following the reporting standard established by the Fudan University Center for Evidence-based Nursing, under registration number ES20246923 (http://ebn.nursing.fudan.edu.cn/home).

Systematic searches were conducted for dementia care guidelines, and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool was used to assess the quality of the guidelines. This evidence summary adheres to the reporting specifications established by the Fudan University Center for Evidence-based Nursing, which are based on the methodological framework developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). These specifications encompass problem identification, literature retrieval, screening, evaluation, evidence summary and grading, as well as the formulation of practical recommendations.

Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 28 guidelines were included. Evidence was extracted according to the Competence Onion Model, focusing on five key areas: dementia-friendly environment, knowledge, skill, attitude and behaviour, traits and motive. A total of 140 pieces of best evidence were identified.

This study summarises the best evidence on dementia care content guidelines, providing relevant evidence-based support for clinical practice.