Caregiving and dementia/Projects/Knowledge transfer in relation to the care of people with dementia

Overview
Knowledge Transfer (KT) in general and KT as related to improving practice in the care of people with dementia is in an early stage of development. This project synthesised the existing views into a clear, practical statement on the nature of knowledge translation as it may be applied to the transfer of research knowledge gained through Dementia Initiative-related activities. The statement will be informed and illustrated by 10 case studies based on KT related projects carried out in each of the DTSCs.

This project aimed to provide a clear, practical description of the KT process as it can be applied to services for people with dementia.

The project:
 * 1) Provided a clear description of the ‘state of the art’ of knowledge transfer based on a review of the literature.
 * 2) Provided 5 DTSC’s with direct support in a KT project each year for 2 years.
 * 3) Used these projects as case studies to assess and illustrate the application of KT approaches.
 * 4) Resulted in the publication of a detailed report on the application of KT processes to the improvement of services for people with dementia.
 * 5) Provided a set of recommendations to guide future KT activities.

The field of KT is not well developed either conceptually or in terms of having a strong track record in the delivery of effective methods. While the other KT projects were successful in the dissemination of information they do not guarantee the adoption of new, and better, practice. There is much to be learned about how practitioners can be persuaded and empowered to change their practice in the light of new knowledge. This project provided a foundation for the effective transfer of knowledge gained in future dementia-related research activities.

The project was conducted in close collaboration with the UNSW DCRC KT Director whose specialised knowledge assisted in the project's development and implementation. The project was managed so that it complemented the KT activities of the DCRCs.

More information

 * 1) TBA