Effectiveness of interventions to improve family-staff relationships in the care of people with dementia in residential aged care: a systematic review protocol.

Abstract

REVIEW QUESTION / OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to identify and appraise existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions designed to enhance staff-family relationships for people with dementia living in residential aged care facilities. More specifically, the objectives are to identify the effectiveness of constructive communication, cooperation programs, and practices or strategies to enhance family-staff relationships. The effectiveness of these interventions will be measured by comparing the intervention to no intervention, comparing one intervention with another, or comparing pre- and post-interventions. Specifically the review question is: What are the most effective interventions for improving communication and cooperation to enhance family-staff relationships in residential aged care facilities? INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants This review will consider studies that include: Family caregivers of people with dementia who are living in residential aged care facilities People with dementia who are living in residential aged care facilities Health care staff working in residential aged care facilities who are caring for people with dementia. All other settings will be excluded. Types of interventions This review will consider studies that evaluate interventions (e.g. programs, practices and strategies) designed to enhance family-staff relationships when compared to usual care (i.e. no intervention), when compared to another intervention, or compared to pre- and post-intervention. Family members include anyone involved in the caregiving process of the person with dementia, e.g. a husband or daughter. There is no limit to the age, diagnosis or severity of dementia of the person with dementia. TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS