Translating evidence into practice: the case of dementia guidelines in specialized geriatric services

Can J Aging. 2005 Fall;24(3):251-60. doi: 10.1353/cja.2005.0078.

Abstract

This paper describes a process of identifying best practice guidelines for non-pharmacological management for individuals with dementia and disseminating them to a group of frontline practitioners in specialized geriatric services. Our dissemination plan involved early participation of practitioners, development of a chart summarizing five guidelines showing commonalities, contrasts, and gaps in the guidelines, and their interpretation, colour-coded for the strength of the evidence on which they were based. Two sequential workshops were held in which recommendations for action were developed. Outcomes of the process included a resource manual, a network of practitioners, and action recommendations based upon survey data. An early follow-up evaluation showed increased adoption of guidelines.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Canada
  • Dementia / complications
  • Dementia / therapy*
  • Guideline Adherence*
  • Health Services for the Aged / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training
  • Mental Disorders / complications
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Program Development