Knowledge evaluation in dementia care networks: a mixed-methods analysis of knowledge evaluation strategies and the success of informing family caregivers about dementia support services

Abstract

BackgroundIn general, most people with dementia living in the community are served by family caregivers at home. A similar situation is found in Germany. One primary goal of dementia care networks is to provide information on support services available to these caregiving relatives of people with dementia via knowledge management. The evaluation of knowledge management tools and processes for dementia care networks is relevant to their performance in successfully achieving information goals. One goal of this paper was the analysis of knowledge evaluation in dementia care networks, including potential barriers and facilitators, across Germany within the DemNet-D study. Additionally, the impact of highly formalized and less formalized knowledge management performed in dementia care networks was analyzed relative to family caregivers’ feelings of being informed about dementia support services.MethodsQualitative data were collected through interviews with and semi-standardized questionnaires administered to key persons from 13 dementia care networks between 2013 and 2014. Quantitative data were collected using standardized questionnaires. A structured content analysis and a mixed-methods analysis were conducted.ResultsThe analyses indicated that the development of knowledge goals is important for a systematic knowledge evaluation process. Feedback from family caregivers was found to be beneficial for the target-oriented evaluation of dementia care network services. Surveys and special conferences, such as quality circles, were used in certain networks to solicit this feedback. Limited resources can hinder the development of formalized knowledge evaluation processes. More formalized knowledge management processes in dementia care networks can lead to a higher level of knowledge among family caregivers.ConclusionsThe studied tools, processes and potential barriers related to knowledge evaluation contribute to the development and optimization of knowledge evaluation strategies for use in dementia care networks. Furthermore, the mixed-methods results indicate that highly formalized dementia care networks are especially successful in providing information to family members caring for people with dementia via knowledge management.

Regional dementia care networks in Germany: changes in caregiver burden at one-year follow-up and associated factors

“…This allows DCNs to tailor interventions to dimensions that are important to caregivers at any point of time and to validly evaluate such interventions by specifically measuring these dimensions (Thyrian et al, 2016). For example, in a different line of analysis of the DemNet-D data, we found that caregivers who needed information on dementia support services were both successful at obtaining such information through their DCNs and more successful in this regard than non-DCN users (Heinrich et al, 2016). This finding is also reflected in our current analysis, where we found a significant reduction in caregiver burden in relation to the "Dealing with authorities, administrations" burden sub-scale.…”

How to Initiate Dementia Care Networks? Processes, Barriers, and Facilitators During the Development Process of a Practice-Oriented Website Toolkit Out of Research Results

“…Within these interviews, data about successful financing, governance, and knowledge management processes in DCNs were extracted. 6,8,11,12 The analyzed qualitative data were the basis for the website content because the website aimed to inform DCN stakeholders and other interested persons about processes who bring DCNs to work and their optimization. The website development was performed by two interdisciplinary teams.…”

“…This is why, in many cases, one DCN knows little about the structures and processes of other DCNs, including facilitators or inhibitors for initiating different network processes (e.g., knowledge management/financing/governance) or reaching specific network aims. 6,8,11,12 Therefore, another aim of the DemNet-D study was to achieve the goal of disseminating practice-friendly information about DCNs to other interested DCN and health-care stakeholders in the field of dementia care who want to optimize existing networks or build new DCNs based on the DemNet-D research findings. Like key persons in DCNs, these persons may be home care staff, nurses, and physiotherapists as well as general practitioners and other health-care stakeholders who might be interested or involved in the field of dementia support.…”

Family caregivers' experiences of interaction with people with mild‐to‐moderate dementia in China: A qualitative study

“…Hence, caregivers should find some strategies to alleviate their own physical and mental health. Previous qualitative studies examined the following values of caregivers and PwD: family and social relationships, safety and physical health, emotional well-being, support for care needs and daily functioning, related services, medical care, support networks and meaningful activities (Heinrich, Uribe, Wübbeler, Hoffmann, & Roes, 2016;Macrae, 2010;Phinney, Chaudhury, & O'Connor, 2007). Furthermore, the positive and negative aspects of caregiving are of the same continuum-they could influence caregiver well-being and satisfaction with life (Lethin et al, 2017).…”