Development of an evidence-based 'Best Practice Model' for teams managing crisis in dementia: protocol

Introduction: Teams working in the community to manage crisis in dementia do currently exist, but with widely varying models of practice it is difficult to determine the effectiveness of such teams. The aim of this study is to develop a ‘Best Practice Model’ for dementia services managing crisis, as well as a set of resources to help teams implement this model to measure and improve practice delivery. These will be (respectively) the Best Practice Tool and Toolkit to be utilised by teams to improve the effectiveness of crisis team working with older people with dementia and their carers. This paper describes the protocol for a prospective study using qualitative methods to establish an understanding of current practice to develop a ‘Best Practice Model’. Methods: Participants (people with dementia, carers, staff members and stakeholders) from a variety of geographical areas, with a broad experience of crisis and non-crisis working, will be purposively selected to participate in qualitative methodology including interviews, focus groups, a consensus workshop, and development and field testing of both the Best Practice Tool and Toolkit. Results: Thematic analysis will be utilised to establish teams managing crisis in dementia current working in order to draw together elements of best practice. Discussion: This is the first study to systematically explore the requirements needed to fulfil effective and appropriate home management for people with dementia and their carers at a time of mental health crisis, as delivered by Teams Managing Crisis in Dementia (TMCDs). This systematic approach to development will support greater acceptability and validity of the Best Practice Tool and Toolkit and lay the foundation for a large scale trial with TMCDs across England to investigate effects on practice and impact on service provision, and associated experiences of people with dementia and their carers.