Implementing Dementia Care Mapping to develop person‐centred care: results of a process evaluation within the Leben‐QD II trial

Aims and objectives To evaluate Dementia Care Mapping implementation in nursing homes. Background Dementia Care Mapping, an internationally applied method for supporting and enhancing person‐centred care for people with dementia, must be successfully implemented into care practice for its effective use. Various factors influence the implementation of complex interventions such as Dementia Care Mapping; few studies have examined the specific factors influencing Dementia Care Mapping implementation. Design A convergent parallel mixed‐methods design embedded in a quasi‐experimental trial was used to assess Dementia Care Mapping implementation success and influential factors. Methods From 2011–2013, nine nursing units in nine different nursing homes implemented either Dementia Care Mapping (n = 6) or a periodic quality of life measurement using the dementia‐specific instrument QUALIDEM (n = 3). Diverse data (interviews, n = 27; questionnaires, n = 112; resident records, n = 81; and process documents) were collected. Each data set was separately analysed and then merged to comprehensively portray the implementation process. Results Four nursing units implemented the particular intervention without deviating from the preplanned intervention. Translating Dementia Care Mapping results into practice was challenging. Necessary organisational preconditions for Dementia Care Mapping implementation included well‐functioning networks, a dementia‐friendly culture and flexible organisational structures. Involved individuals’ positive attitudes towards Dementia Care Mapping also facilitated implementation. Precisely planning the intervention and its implementation, recruiting champions who supported Dementia Care Mapping implementation and having well‐qualified, experienced project coordinators were essential to the implementation process. Conclusions For successful Dementia Care Mapping implementation, it must be embedded in a systematic implementation strategy considering the specific setting. Organisational preconditions may need to be developed before Dementia Care Mapping implementation. Necessary steps may include team building, developing and realising a person‐centred care‐based mission statement or educating staff regarding general dementia care. The implementation strategy may include attracting and involving individuals on different hierarchical levels in Dementia Care Mapping implementation and supporting staff to translate Dementia Care Mapping results into practice. Relevance to clinical practice The identified facilitating factors can guide Dementia Care Mapping implementation strategy development.