Dementia Training for Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Policy and Evidence Review
Listed in
This article is not in any list yet, why not save it to one of your lists.Abstract
Objective
To review policies and research on the effectiveness of healthcare professionals’ dementia training
Design
Policy and systematic review
Setting
Healthcare services
Participants
Healthcare professionals
Intervention
Training
Measurements
We reviewed relevant English policies and searched electronic databases for primary research studies (between 2015-2024) evaluating dementia training for healthcare professionals. We assessed risk of bias using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, prioritising studies scoring 4+, of interventions supported by Randomised Controlled Trial evidence, and reported outcomes using Kirkpatrick’s framework. We consulted professional stakeholders in a focus group regarding how findings might inform practice.
Results
Sixteen policies and related documents highlighted concerns about the limited implementation of the Dementia Core Skills Education and Training Framework (DCSETF). We reviewed 63 primary research studies. Only one study met priority criteria; it evaluated a Train-the-Trainer (TTT), team-based reflective practice model, which improved primary care nurses’ and doctors’ learning, and self-reported practice over ≥3 months. Higher quality, controlled studies evaluated a TTT programme for hospital staff, improving client outcomes (agitation) over ≤5 days; an expert-led two-day interactive training for inpatient nurses that reduced role strain; and an expert-led, nine-week, occupational therapy-derived training programme that improved retirement community staff strategies for client activity engagement. Eight focus group attendees considered time a limiting factor to evidence implementation, but valued group training to share experiences; and TTT models to enable tailoring to local contexts.
Conclusions
By increasing reach of dementia training and embedding learning in practice, Train-the-Trainer models could increase care quality and DCSETF implementation.
