The Carer Assessment of MedicaTion Management GuidanCe for People With Dementia at Hospital Discharge (CATCH) Tool: Exploratory Factor Analysis.

PURPOSE: The Carer Assessment of medicaTion management guidanCe for people with dementia at Hospital discharge (CATCH) tool was developed to examine the carer's experiences of medication management guidance delivery at discharge. This study explored its factor structure, characterized carers' experiences at discharge, and identified predictors of carer preparedness to manage medications at discharge. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of carers across Australia was distributed. Survey responses were analyzed descriptively, and exploratory factor and regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 185 survey responses were completed. Exploratory factor analysis revealed 2 factors in the CATCH tool: (1) shared and supported decision-making in medication management (16 items loading 0.47 to 0.93); 2) provision of medication management guidance that is easy to understand (4 items loading (0.48 to 0.82). Internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach alpha >0.8). Almost 18% of participants stated that they were not included in decisions about medications for people with dementia. The carer reported that the measure of how guidance is provided was positively related to their confidence in the management of medications postdischarge and satisfaction ( P < 0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS: The CATCH tool can give the patient and carer an opportunity to provide feedback on key elements of medication management guidance delivered at discharge.

Availability and evaluation of medication management resources for carers of people with dementia: a scoping review with an environmental scan.

INTRODUCTION: There is a need for resources to guide informal carers in medication management for people with dementia. Availability of resources on medication management guidance has yet to be explored. AREAS COVERED: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO was performed in May 2022 to identify and evaluate resources for carers of people with dementia that provide guidance in medication management. Google and known repositories were also searched. Readability of text-based resources was examined using the Flesch-Kincaid reading level, the Flesch reading ease and the Gunning-Fog index. Resources were further evaluated using the Patient Education Material Assessment Tool (PEMAT or PEMAT-A/V). EXPERT OPINION: Fifteen resources were identified, which largely focused on medication administration with limited discussion of shared decision-making. Current resources do not appear to have included people living with dementia or their carers in their development and did not address high-risk care settings. Codesign of resources with carers and people with dementia would ensure that resources are comprehensive and target their needs. Future research should therefore focus on development of readily available and understandable resources that provide medication management guidance for carers across different health settings, to comprehensively address the multi-faceted nature of dementia.