89 Mapping the development of education to implement National Clinical Guideline: appropriate prescribing of psychotropic medication for non-cognitive symptoms of dementia

Abstract

Abstract Background National Clinical Guideline No. 21 (NCG No. 21; ‘Appropriate prescribing of psychotropic medication for non-cognitive symptoms in people with dementia’) was published by the Department of Health in 2019. The National Dementia Office secured funding through the Health Service Executive National Service Plan to implement NCG No. 21. Methods The implementation programme for NCG No. 21 encompasses three work packages; communication and engagement, education and training, and evaluation. As part of work package two, a multi-component education package (encapsulating Facilitator education, an eLearning module and other resources) has been developed for relevant staff. This is currently being rolled out in a number of settings. An audit tool has been developed and adapted for use across settings. Process mapping of the development process of the education package was completed. Results It is hoped that the education package will further increase awareness of the guideline as well as embed the guideline across settings and improve the management of dementia. Audit tools and associated activities to assess compliance with the guideline will contribute to improved quality of care and will enable identification of areas for quality improvement initiatives. Process mapping outlines the various stakeholders and stages involved in the development process. Learning to date from the development of the education package, through process mapping, is presented, highlighting particular facilitators and challenges which were experienced. Conclusion Process mapping of the development of the education package to implement NCG No. 21 has provided valuable learning for continued roll-out, as well as for the development and roll-out of other education packages.