Evaluating implementation and outcomes of a person-centered care model for people with dementia in the rehabilitation in-patient setting : project protocol

Background: While Australian guidelines promote person-centered healthcare (PCC) for persons with dementia, healthcare systems, routines, rules, and workplace cultures can pose challenges in the provision of PCC. Objective: To present a knowledge translation protocol of the PCC model in a sub-acute rehabilitation hospital. Methods: The two-year pre/post/follow-up translation project will include (n"Š="Š80) persons with dementia, (n"Š="Š80) adult family/carers of patient participants, (n"Š="Š60) healthcare staff (medical, nursing, allied health), and (n"Š="Š8) PCC staff champions. Champions will complete six half-days' training in PCC. Medical, nursing, and allied health staff will be provided with PCC learning manuals, complete six hours of online PCC education and attend six face-to-face PCC education sessions. Champions will provide ongoing support to staff in PCC practice. The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework will be used to evaluate: i) outcomes for prospective patients provided with PCC, compared with a matched sample of retrospective patients (primary outcomes agitation incidence and severity); 2) champion and staff PCC knowledge, confidence, engagement, and practice quality; 3) person, family/carer, champion, and staff satisfaction with PCC; 4) PCC costs and benefits; and 5) organizational structures, systems and policies required to implement and maintain PCC in sub-acute healthcare. Results: We will identify if PCC benefits persons with dementia, staff, and healthcare services, and we will generate evidence on the educational and organizational resources required to embed PCC in practice. Conclusion: Project findings will inform tailored PCC education applications for dissemination in healthcare and produce evidence-based PCC practice guidelines to improve healthcare for persons with dementia.