Dementia Care Evidence: Contextual Dimensions that Influence Use in Northern Home Care Centres

Authors

  • Dorothy Forbes University of Alberta
  • Laurel Strain University of Alberta
  • Catherine Blake Western University
  • Shelley Peacock University of Saskatchewan
  • Wendy Harrison Alberta Health Services North Zone
  • Terri Woytkiw Alberta Health Services North Zone
  • Pamela Hawranik Athabasca University
  • Emily Thiessen University of Alberta
  • Amy Woolf University of Alberta
  • Debra Morgan University of Saskatchewan
  • Anthea Innes Bournemouth University
  • Maggie Gibson St. Joseph's Health Care London

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v15i1.344

Abstract

Living and working in isolated northern communities pose challenges in using evidence to inform dementia care.

Purpose : To better understand the contextual dimensions of two home care centres in two Canadian northern, rural communities that influence the use of evidence from the perspectives of home care providers (HCPs).

Sample: All clinical leaders, managers, and home care providers (n=48 FTE) in the two home care centres were sent an information letter outlining the study’s purpose, expectations, and benefits and invited to participate in focus groups conducted in two home care centres. Fourteen staff participated in the two focus groups.

Method: A qualitative interpretive descriptive approach was used. Semi-structured questions were used to guide the audiotape recorded focus groups. Transcripts were coded using Lubrosky’s thematic analysis.

Findings: Our findings are described in broad contextual themes (e.g., challenges in using the RAI-HC, availability of resources, relationships in a rural community, leadership, and evaluation) that included both positive and negative contextual dimensions that influenced the use of evidence.

Conclusions: Most importantly, reallocated resources are needed in northern home care settings. Challenges in exchanging evidence related to difficult relationships with physicians, clients, and their family caregivers. Leadership and collaboration dimensions were fundamental to establishing a vibrant workplace in which HCPs provided and exchanged evidence-based dementia care.
 

Keywords: Evidence-based dementia care, northern home care, home care contextual dimensions, knowledge exchange.

 

DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/ 10.14574/ojrnhc.v15i1.344

Author Biographies

  • Dorothy Forbes, University of Alberta
    Professor, Faculty of Nursing
  • Laurel Strain, University of Alberta
    Professor, Department of Sociology
  • Catherine Blake, Western University

    Research Associate, Arthur Labatt School of Nursing

  • Shelley Peacock, University of Saskatchewan
    Assistant Professor, College of Nursing
  • Wendy Harrison, Alberta Health Services North Zone
    Vice President Rural, North East Operations (retired)

  • Terri Woytkiw, Alberta Health Services North Zone

    Lead-Seniors Health Clinical Support, North Zone

  • Pamela Hawranik, Athabasca University
    Professor & Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies

  • Emily Thiessen, University of Alberta

    Graduate Nurse Practitioner, Research Assistant

  • Amy Woolf, University of Alberta
    MN Student
  • Debra Morgan, University of Saskatchewan
    Professor, College of Medicine Chair, Rural Health Delivery
  • Anthea Innes, Bournemouth University
    Director, Bournemouth University Dementia Institute
    Professor Health and Social Care Research

  • Maggie Gibson, St. Joseph's Health Care London
    Psychologist, Veterans Care Program

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Published

2015-05-04

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2015)

Section

Articles

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