The challenge , as with a lot of practice , is the time that DCM requires . Whether that be the planning , execution or the actioning and review process that follows .”
The challenge , as with a lot of practice , is the time that DCM requires . Whether that be the planning , execution or the actioning and review process that follows .”
DCM also feels like an opportunity for colleagues in other disciplines to use some of the principles that occupational therapy practises . It helps to frame and understand ‘ doing ’ in a cohesive and joined up manner .
The challenge , as with a lot of practice , is the time that DCM requires . Whether that be the planning , execution or the actioning and review process that follows .
DCM doesn ’ t always need to be the full patient population over a longer period . It could be a snapshot of a few hours with an individual informing care planning on the ward , or approaches that could increase wellbeing , skill retention and the quality of care provided .
What ’ s next ?
To use it ; whether this is in full day maps with multidisciplinary team colleagues or on individual , smaller maps on the ward to compliment the occupational therapy assessment .
It is another tool in the toolbox of assessments and strategies I can use and support action planning to increase wellbeing for those I work with .
I am passionate about service development and the role of occupational therapy in this , but also about the importance of a plan and the impact of proactive and positive change to support the quality of life for individuals living with dementia .
My plan is also to protect study time to develop my understanding of Communication and Interaction Training ( CAIT ) ( James and Gibbons 2019 ) to further guide and enhance my use of DCM and my understanding of dementia care .
Ultimately , this will be difficult as opportunities to attend training are sparse , however I was fortunate enough to attend a two-day course in June 2024 that provided and consolidated my understanding of dementia care practice that could make a difference .
Perhaps a future reflection on using DCM in practice or CAIT will be coming up .
R
Department of Health ( 2015 ) The Prime Minister ’ s Challenge on Dementia 2020 . Available at https :// bit . ly / 401BzGj – GOV . UK ( www . gov . uk ) [ accessed 1 July 2024 ).
James IA and Gibbons L ( 2019 ) Communication Skills for Effective Dementia Care : A Practical Guide to Communication and Interaction Training ( CAIT ). London : Jessica Kingsley
University of Bradford ( 2018 ) Dementia Care Mapping , Process and Application . Bradford : Centre for Applied Dementia Studies , Faculty of Health Studies , University of Bradford .
Words ERIN HARDY , Specialist Occupational Therapist , working for Cumbria , Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Trust Inpatient Older Persons Services , Monkwearmouth Hospital . Email erin . hardy @ cntw . nhs . uk
44 OTnews January 2025