Translating reablement research for dementia practice: development of a handbook using implementation science

Purpose: Reablement is a strategy recommended in clinical practice guidelines that could maximise functioning and quality of life in people living with dementia. This project sought to develop a practical handbook for health professionals illustrating the best, currently available evidence via newly-developed composite reablement programs.

Materials and methods: Handbook development occurred over five phases, informed by Normalisation Process Theory: (1) literature review, (2) sector interviews to explore how handbook implementation may impact practice, (3) workshop to determine final handbook content, (4) reablement program synthesis and handbook development, and (5) dissemination and implementation planning to support optimal uptake and normalisation within the sector.

Results: Interviews (n = 22) identified sector support for development of the reablement handbook. Workshop (n = 24 participants) outcomes informed the final eight reablement programs sorted by functional outcomes (everyday living activities; mobility and physical function; and cognition and communication). A technical guide and consumer information booklet were developed to support the handbook. A comprehensive handbook implementation plan involving dynamic assessment and monitoring was developed.

Conclusions: The reablement handbook provides a practical and accessible avenue to support function in people with dementia. Robust, coordinated dissemination, implementation and assessment of the new resource across a range of practice settings is now required.Implications for rehabilitationDementia leads to disability and dependence, impacting the person with dementia, their family and society.Reablement, an approach consistent with rehabilitation, is a strategy recommended in clinical practice guidelines that could maximise functional performance and quality of life in people living with dementia.This study describes development of a freely available evidence-informed reablement handbook designed to support delivery of high-quality reablement programs by allied health/nursing professionals for people living with dementia.Outcomes have potential to inform future implementation work and to ultimately improve the quality of services offered within the dementia sector.