Translating reablement research for dementia practice: development of a handbook using implementation science.

PURPOSE: Reablement is a strategy recommended in clinical practice guidelines that could maximise functioning and quality of life in people living with dementia. This project sought to develop a practical handbook for health professionals illustrating the best, currently available evidence via newly-developed composite reablement programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Handbook development occurred over five phases, informed by Normalisation Process Theory: (1) literature review, (2) sector interviews to explore how handbook implementation may impact practice, (3) workshop to determine final handbook content, (4) reablement program synthesis and handbook development, and (5) dissemination and implementation planning to support optimal uptake and normalisation within the sector. RESULTS: Interviews (n = 22) identified sector support for development of the reablement handbook. Workshop (n = 24 participants) outcomes informed the final eight reablement programs sorted by functional outcomes (everyday living activities; mobility and physical function; and cognition and communication). A technical guide and consumer information booklet were developed to support the handbook. A comprehensive handbook implementation plan involving dynamic assessment and monitoring was developed. CONCLUSIONS: The reablement handbook provides a practical and accessible avenue to support function in people with dementia. Robust, coordinated dissemination, implementation and assessment of the new resource across a range of practice settings is now required.Implications for rehabilitationDementia leads to disability and dependence, impacting the person with dementia, their family and society.Reablement, an approach consistent with rehabilitation, is a strategy recommended in clinical practice guidelines that could maximise functional performance and quality of life in people living with dementia.This study describes development of a freely available evidence-informed reablement handbook designed to support delivery of high-quality reablement programs by allied health/nursing professionals for people living with dementia.Outcomes have potential to inform future implementation work and to ultimately improve the quality of services offered within the dementia sector.

Understanding in the Australian aged care sector of reablement interventions for people living with dementia: a qualitative content analysis.

BACKGROUND: Reablement has potential for enhancing function and independence in people with dementia. In order to enhance the use of evidence-based reablement in this population, this study sought to understand the current practices and needs of the sector around these interventions. METHODS: A purposive sample of 22 Australian aged and community-care providers participated in a semi-structured interview. Qualitative content analysis was applied to the data, with key themes interpreted within the context of the study aims: to explore (1) what reablement interventions are currently being offered to people living with dementia in Australia, and (2) what are key factors that will contribute to enhanced uptake of reablement interventions in dementia practice. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: (1) 'what reablement interventions are being offered', outlined a range of exercise and cognitive/social interventions, with only a proportion generated from a clear evidence-base, (2) 'what's in a name', illustrated the range of terms used to describe reablement, (3) 'whose role is it', highlighted the confusion around the range of health professionals involved in providing reablement interventions, and (4) 'perceived barriers and enablers to providing reablement to people living with dementia', described a range of factors that both hinder and support current reablement practice. CONCLUSIONS: Reablement interventions currently provided for people living with dementia in Australia are variable, with confusion around the definition of reablement, and apparently limited use of evidence-informed interventions. A multifaceted approach involving an evidence-informed and freely-accessible resource, and taking into account the varied levels of influence within the aged care sector would support uptake and implementation of reablement interventions for people living with dementia.