A cluster-randomised trial of staff education to improve the quality of life of people with dementia living in residential care: the DIRECT study.

Background: The Dementia In Residential care: EduCation intervention Trial (DIRECT) was conducted to determine if delivery of education designed to meet the perceived need of GPs and care staff improves the quality of life of participants with dementia living in residential care.

Methodology/principal Findings: This cluster-randomised controlled trial was conducted in 39 residential aged care facilities in the metropolitan area of Perth, Western Australia. 351 care facility residents aged 65 years and older with Mini-Mental State Examination ≤ 24, their GPs and facility staff participated.

Factors associated with self and informant ratings of the quality of life of people with dementia living in care facilities: a cross sectional study.

Background: There is no consensus regarding the optimal approach to assessment of the quality of life of people with dementia. We undertook the present study to describe and determine the factors associated with ratings of the quality of life of a cohort of people with dementia living in a residential care facility.

Methodology/principal Findings: 351 people with dementia living in residential care facilities, and their staff and family informants participated in this cross sectional observational study.

Development and evaluation of an educational intervention for general practitioners and staff caring for people with dementia living in residential facilities.

Background: Despite high levels of participation in dementia education, general practitioners (GPs) and residential care facility (RCF) staff report perceived learning needs. Small group education, which is flexible, individualized, practical and case-based, is sought. We aimed to develop educational interventions for GPs and RCF staff tailored to meet their perceived educational needs.

Dementia in residential care: education intervention trial (DIRECT); protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Background: There is scope to improve the quality of life (QOL) of people with dementia living in residential care facilities (RCF). The DIRECT study will determine if delivery of education to General Practitioners (GPs) and care staff improves the quality of life of residential care recipients with cognitive impairment.

Methods/design: A prospective randomised controlled trial conducted in residential aged care facilities in the metropolitan area of Perth, Western Australia.

Current experiences and educational preferences of general practitioners and staff caring for people with dementia living in residential facilities.

Background: Residential care is important for older adults, particularly for those with advanced dementia and their families. Education interventions that achieve sustainable improvement in the care of older adults are critical to quality care. There are few systematic data available regarding the educational needs of Residential Care Facility (RCF) staff and General Practitioners (GPs) relating to dementia, or the sustainability of educational interventions.