Nursing and Allied Health Care in Rehabilitation for Dementia

A special issue of Nursing Reports (ISSN 2039-4403).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 1363

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Medicine, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
Interests: geriatric rehabilitation; rehabilitation/therapy; geriatrics; evidence-based practice; dementia care; chronic diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nurses and allied health professionals constitute a frontline workforce providing healthcare for individuals living with dementia. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the "Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation", a comprehensive guide outlining essential rehabilitation measures for dementia. The WHO has identified qualified health professionals, including specialized medical practitioners, allied health and nursing professionals, capable of administering these crucial rehabilitation interventions.

This Special Issue of Nursing Reports, entitled "Nursing and Allied Health Care in Rehabilitation for Dementia," serves as a platform to spotlight the global issues and challenges faced by healthcare professionals in integrating rehabilitation services for dementia into their health systems. The scope encompasses both hospital and community settings. The aim is to gather insights from experts who can provide evidence-based discussions on the obstacles and potential solutions when incorporating rehabilitation into the post-diagnostic care of individuals with dementia.

We invite submissions that delve into barriers and solutions concerning the implementation of the WHO guidelines outlined in the "Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation" for dementia. Of particular interest are perspectives from low- and middle-income countries, discussions on workforce challenges, capacity-building issues, and papers addressing the impacts and experiences associated with delivering innovative interventions. These interventions should target cognitive, psychological, physical, and social aspects of functioning, ultimately aiding individuals living with dementia in maintaining their independence, well-being, and engagement in a meaningful life.

Dr. Den Ching Angel Lee
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • dementia
  • rehabilitation
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • nursing
  • allied health professionals
  • package of interventions for rehabilitation
  • post-diagnostic care
  • low- and middle-income countries
  • workforce
  • interventions

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

18 pages, 1041 KiB  
Article
Dementia Rehabilitation Training for General Practitioners and Practice Nurses: Does It Make a Difference?
by Den-Ching A. Lee, Grant Russell, Terry P. Haines, Keith D. Hill, Claire M. C. O’Connor, Natasha Layton, Kate Swaffer, Marita Long, Catherine Devanny and Michele L. Callisaya
Nurs. Rep. 2024, 14(4), 3108-3125; https://doi.org/10.3390/nursrep14040226 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 697
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Rehabilitation helps reduce disability in dementia. The Australian National Dementia Action Plan identifies a gap in clear treatment pathways post-diagnosis, affecting the quality of life for those with dementia. This study assessed the impact of a one-day dementia training course and follow-up [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Rehabilitation helps reduce disability in dementia. The Australian National Dementia Action Plan identifies a gap in clear treatment pathways post-diagnosis, affecting the quality of life for those with dementia. This study assessed the impact of a one-day dementia training course and follow-up on GPs’ and practice nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and confidence regarding dementia rehabilitation. Methods: The training, led by two experienced GPs and an academic physiotherapist, covered dementia diagnosis, allied health roles, care planning, and referrals. The follow-up involved applying the learnt material and completing a reflective task. Three longitudinal surveys (Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale—DKAS, General Practitioners’ Attitudes and Confidence towards Dementia Survey—GPACS-D, and Dementia Rehabilitation Scale) and Likert-scale statements were conducted pre-course, post-course, and at four-month follow-up, alongside a focus group. Descriptive and regression analyses were applied to survey data, and content analysis was used for focus group data. Results: Seventeen participants (14 GPs, 3 nurses) completed the pre–post-course survey, with eight (6 GPs, 2 nurses) participating in follow-up and focus group discussions. Post-course, DKAS scores increased by 12.1%, GPACS-D by 10.1%, and the dementia rehabilitation scale by 9.4%. Likert-scale statements improved by 8–79%. At the four-month follow-up, there was a slight, non-significant decline in most measures. Focus groups highlighted the training’s impacts, useful components, barriers, and suggestions for improvement. Conclusion: Training GPs and practice nurses in dementia rehabilitation enhances knowledge, awareness, and confidence. Ongoing efforts are needed to sustain benefits and address referral barriers for better access to dementia rehabilitation services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nursing and Allied Health Care in Rehabilitation for Dementia)
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