Views Of Experienced Physiotherapists About Excellence In Dementia Care: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundPhysiotherapy interventions can improve mobility and prevent falls in people with dementia. However, physiotherapists have been found to have low knowledge and confidence in working with people with dementia. Excellence in dementia physiotherapy has not been described in the literature, and it is important to establish with dementia considered a global health priority. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine 1) what is excellence in physiotherapy dementia care and 2) how can excellence be achieved.MethodsThis was a qualitative study using an interpretive description approach. Participants were 16 physiotherapists from around Australia considered to be experienced in the field of dementia care. Snowball sampling was utilised from the starting group of physiotherapists practicing in Australia, who were recognised by the National Gerontology Committee of the Australian Physiotherapy Association as experienced experts in dementia care. Physiotherapists participated in semi‐structured interviews. Thematic analysis was undertaken, with themes/subthemes derived and a qualitative thematic framework generated.ResultsThe four themes (and subthemes) were: 1) engaging the person with dementia (knowing the person, using knowledge to adapt the approach to successfully deliver physiotherapy interventions, optimising the physical environment), 2) collaborative care (working with care partners, working as an interdisciplinary team), 3) development of clinical skills and expertise on the job and 4) advocating for the role of physiotherapy in dementia care.Discussion/ConclusionPhysiotherapists believe that excellence in dementia care involves being able to effectively engage the person with dementia in therapy, training and supporting care partners, and providing interdisciplinary care. Excellence in care was less about the application of evidence‐based practice, but more about providing patient‐centred care, achieved mainly through on‐the‐job learning from both physiotherapy and other health professional peers.