An examination of the psychometric properties and efficacy of Dementia Care Mapping.

This paper offers a critique of Dementia Care Mapping (DCM) as a practice development and research tool by examining the psychometric properties and efficacy of DCM as a method for evaluating and enhancing care quality and quality of life. Based on a review and analysis of the published empirical studies utilizing DCM, it becomes apparent that there is mixed support for the tool's validity and reliability. More importantly, there is a need for additional studies specifically examining the range of related assessments to provide conclusive evidence for DCM's relevance, applicability and reliability as a practice and research tool in dementia care. The paper identifies methodological issues of implementation and use of DCM, i.e., coding practices, mapping duration. Also, a summary of the tool's strengths and limitations in practice and research settings, areas for improvement and future research avenues is provided.