Nathan Davies1,2, Elizabeth L Sampson2,3, Emily West2, Tanisha DeSouza1, Jill Manthorpe4,5, Kirsten Moore2,6, Kate Walters1, Karen Harrison Dening7, Jane Ward8, Greta Rait1. 1. Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London, UK. 2. Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, University College London, London, UK. 3. Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust, Liaison Psychiatry Team, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK. 4. NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce, Policy Institute at King's, King's College London, London, UK. 5. NIHR Applied Research Collaborative (ARC) South London, King's College London, London, UK. 6. National Ageing Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. 7. Dementia UK & Admiral Nursing, London, UK. 8. Family Carer, Member of Experts by Experience Panel.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Family carers of people living with dementia often need support with making decisions about care. Many find end-of-life care decisions particularly difficult. The aim of this article is to present an evidence- and theoretical-based process for developing a decision aid to support family carers of people with dementia towards the end-of-life. METHODS: Following a systematic process, we developed a decision aid using coproduction methods and matrices to synthesize data from a systematic review and qualitative interviews with people living with dementia and family carers. Data were presented to coproduction workshops of people living with dementia, family carers, practitioners and professionals. Development was guided by the Ottawa Decision Support Framework and a modified Interprofessional Shared Decision-Making model. RESULTS: The decision aid covers four decision areas: (1) changes in care; (2) eating and drinking difficulties; (3) everyday well-being; and (4) healthcare, tests and medication. We present an interactive decision aid, using a variety of approaches including written text, Frequently Asked Questions, top tips and illustrative quotes from people living with dementia and family carers. CONCLUSION: This is the first decision aid that focusses on multiple decisions towards the end-of-life in dementia care. The process offers a template for others to develop decision aids or similar interventions, and how to include people living with dementia in coproduction. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Family carers provided feedback on data collection, data analysis and the decision aid, and one is a coauthor. People living with dementia and family carers were integral to the coproduction workshops.
BACKGROUND: Family carers of people living with dementia often need support with making decisions about care. Many find end-of-life care decisions particularly difficult. The aim of this article is to present an evidence- and theoretical-based process for developing a decision aid to support family carers of people with dementia towards the end-of-life. METHODS: Following a systematic process, we developed a decision aid using coproduction methods and matrices to synthesize data from a systematic review and qualitative interviews with people living with dementia and family carers. Data were presented to coproduction workshops of people living with dementia, family carers, practitioners and professionals. Development was guided by the Ottawa Decision Support Framework and a modified Interprofessional Shared Decision-Making model. RESULTS: The decision aid covers four decision areas: (1) changes in care; (2) eating and drinking difficulties; (3) everyday well-being; and (4) healthcare, tests and medication. We present an interactive decision aid, using a variety of approaches including written text, Frequently Asked Questions, top tips and illustrative quotes from people living with dementia and family carers. CONCLUSION: This is the first decision aid that focusses on multiple decisions towards the end-of-life in dementia care. The process offers a template for others to develop decision aids or similar interventions, and how to include people living with dementia in coproduction. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Family carers provided feedback on data collection, data analysis and the decision aid, and one is a coauthor. People living with dementia and family carers were integral to the coproduction workshops.