Introduction Tom Kitwood's theoretical framework of person-centred care is extensively and internationally referred to in healthcare services. However, despite the broad use of Kitwood's approach in clinical practice, the research examining experiences with the approach has not been mapped. Aim To map the available literature on current empirical experiences in clinical practice of Kitwood's approach to person-centred care for people with dementia, living in institutional settings in primary health care. Methods A total of 154 studies concerning the experiences of people with dementia and their formal caregivers' use of Kitwood's framework of person-centred care for residents living in institutional settings in primary health care were compiled from scientific databases. All three authors engaged in a systematic selection process, leading to nineteen articles being included in the review. Results The results showed an overall tendency towards positive experiences gained from applying person-centred approaches in clinical practice influenced by Kitwood's theoretical framework. Through the synthesis of data from the selected studies, six categories related to our research aim were identified 'Theoretical evaluation of Tom Kitwood's model of care', 'Models and frameworks', 'Interventions', 'Communication', 'Dementia Care Mapping' and 'Environment'. Conclusion The present review included nineteen studies published from 1998 to 2016 and consisted mainly of peer-reviewed scientific articles, followed by dissertations, conference posters and nonpeer-reviewed articles. All studies were undertaken in Western countries. The vast majority of the studies considered Kitwood's theoretical framework to be beneficial and useful in practice.
Introduction: Within dementia care, there remains a general lack of coherence in evidence-based knowledge on issues of importance for subjective experiences of quality of life in people with dementia. The aim of the meta-aggregation was to investigate experiences related to quality of life in people with dementia living in institutional settings. Method: A meta-aggregation inspired by the Joanna Briggs Institute was undertaken. A systematic search was conducted in four databases and additional studies were found in the reference lists of the included studies. Only studies in English, Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian were considered, with publication dates from 2007 to 2018. Findings: Ten original qualitative studies were included. Using critical appraisal, methodological quality was assessed. We extracted five main categories: acceptance and adaptation; autonomy; personhood; social connectedness; and activities. Conclusion: Significant findings for future occupational therapy in dementia care concerned the importance of coming to terms with the illness and life situation, while being able to experience feelings of autonomy, independence, and personhood. Meaningful social relationships and activities, individualized flexible routines and regulations, and adjusted physical environments with room for privacy were also prioritized in order to achieve high quality of life.
: This paper introduces a successful dementia care program in Omuta City, Japan. The program, SOS Training, was not originally designed as a co-design project. It achieved codesign characteristics as a result of trial-and-error practice among public and private enthusiasts for making a better and safer community for people with dementia. As a case of substantial codesign participation of citizens that involves people with dementia, this paper points out challenges and opportunities for making Omuta’s program scalable and sustainable. The newly established design team that includes the authors, investigates potentials of the Omuta way of helping people with dementia.
