This systematic review summarizes the experiences with maintaining meaningful activities for persons with dementia during transitions of care, including related barriers and facilitators, and interventions and strategies. A systematic search was performed in eight databases. The methodological quality was assessed with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Four articles were included; one describing the transition from home to hospital and vice versa, and three describing the transition from home to nursing home. The narrative synthesis revealed a decrease of meaningful activities after transition. Facilitators of and barriers to maintaining meaningful activities during transitions were related to the person with dementia, informal caregivers, healthcare professionals and organization of care, as well as the environment. Interventions and strategies focused on continuously adjusting meaningful activities to the person. To conclude, maintaining meaningful activities during transitions is an under-researched area. Several recommendations are provided for healthcare professionals and organizations.

Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Overview publication

TitleMaintaining meaningful activities for persons with dementia during transitions of care: A systematic review.
DateMarch 1st, 2022
Issue nameGeriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)
Issue numberv44:176-183
DOI10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.01.017
PubMed35189451
AuthorsGroenendaal M, Smaling HJA, Achterberg WP & Caljouw MAA
KeywordsDementia, Meaningful activities, Person-centered care, Systematic review, Transitions of care
Read Read publication