Dementia Knowledge Translation Initiatives From Canada: Putting Knowledge to Action for Dementia Care in Primary Care, Driving and Long-Term Care

Abstract

Knowledge translation (KT) is the application of research findings to clinical practice settings. Dementia is a complex chronic illness requiring knowledge and skills from a broad range of providers and backgrounds to achieve optimal outcomes. Geriatric psychiatrists have expertise in many areas of dementia care. However, given the rapidly increasing numbers of older adults with dementia, and the limited numbers of geriatric mental health practitioners, geriatric psychiatrists will increasingly be called upon to develop collaborative models of care to support other healthcare practitioners. Application and dissemination of best practices will need to use evidence-based KT strategies to achieve the greatest impact for patients and providers. Canada has a long tradition of KT and collaborative mental health care delivery and a unique healthcare system that poses both challenges and opportunities for KT activities in geriatric mental health. This session will begin by providing an overview of national initiatives for KT in dementia care in Canada. The Canadian KT frameworks will be introduced along with an overview of a national initiative the Canadian Dementia Knowledge Translation Network. A dementia guideline implementation project, the Primary Care Dementia Assessment and Treatment Algorithm (PC-DATA) will be discussed as an example of an integrated dementia care program illustrating collaboration between geriatric mental health and primary care. Results from the Driving and Dementia in Ontario project will provide an overview of the development of knowledge tools to help physicians decide whether to report individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment to driving authorities. Finally, the development of guidelines and several knowledge tools to support best practices in behavioral symptoms of dementia in the long-term care setting will be illustrated through the activities of the Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health. Through this session attendees will gain an appreciation of several aspects related to KT science and learn about innovative methods for providing collaborative care using examples from Canada. This symposium is sponsored by the Canadian Academy of Geriatric Psychiatry. Faculty Disclosures: David Conn, MB Nothing to disclose Kenneth Le Clair, MD Nothing to disclose Mark J. Rapoport, MD Nothing to disclose Dallas Seitz, MD Nothing to disclose Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 21:3, Supplement 1 S11