Contact: Fran McInerney
Funding completed in December 2019 and final report lodged April 2020, however publications from the project continue.
Improving consumer dementia literacy – developing the Dementia Literacy Assessment Model (DLAM)
We have developed, tested, and validated a new way to measure dementia literacy, defined as the knowledge and capacity to navigate complex health care systems, access appropriate care and support, and make informed decisions about care. The Consumer Access, Appraisal and Application of Services and Information for Dementia (CAAASI-Dem) tool was piloted in over 5000 consumer participants, and enables assessment across 5 dementia specific elements: evaluation and engagement; readiness; social supports; specific dementia services; and practical aspects of care. In combination with the existing DKAS dementia knowledge tool (Annear et al., 2015) to form the Dementia Literacy Assessment Model (DLAM), this will have wide application for measuring consumer dementia literacy and aiding direction of aged care services.
Despite general health literacy tools being available, prior to this we had no effective means to assess dementia literacy using a simple validated tool. This assessment will allow identification of ways to better facilitate access to, understanding of, and utilisation of dementia information/services. The DLAM is an important step toward developing and implementing needs-based interventions that will contribute positively to the well-being of people living with dementia, their carers and families.
Objectives:
- develop tools or models that enable the department to assess awareness of consumer choice in the delivery of aged care services
- support the role for consumers in informing continuous quality improvement within aged care services
Research Team:
- Professor Fran McInerney
- Dr Kathleen Doherty
- Dr Hoang Nguyen
- Dr Claire Eccleston
- Dr Laura Tierney
- Dr Ron Mason
- Aidan Bindoff
- Emeritus Prof Andrew Robinson
- Professor James Vickers
Funding:
- DOHA Dementia and Aged Care Services Fund: Research and Innovation Grants – $349,199.00 (2017-2019)
Outputs:
- Doherty, K.V., Nguyen, H., Eccleston, C.E., Tierney, L., Mason, R.L., Bindoff, A., Robinson, A., Vickers, J. and McInerney, F., 2020. Measuring consumer access, appraisal and application of services and information for dementia (CAAASI-Dem): a key component of dementia literacy. BMC geriatrics, 20(1), pp.1-10.
