Cambridge Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, UK.
Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2019 Aug;34(8):1235-1243. doi: 10.1002/gps.5123. Epub 2019 May 20.
To describe the characteristics of Dementia Friendly Communities (DFCs) across England in order to inform a national evaluation of their impact on the lives of those affected by dementia.
DFCs in England were identified through online searches and Alzheimer's Society records. A subsample (n = 100) were purposively selected for in-depth study based on online searches and, where necessary, follow-up telephone calls. Data collection and analysis were guided by a pilot evaluation tool for DFCs that addressed how DFCs are organised and resourced and how their impact is assessed. The evidence was predominantly qualitative, in addition to some descriptive quantitative information.
Of 284 DFCs identified, 251 were defined by geographical location, while 33 were communities of interest. Among 100 sampled DFCs, 89 had been set up or started activities following policy endorsement of DFCs in 2012. In the resourcing of DFCs, statutory agencies and charities played an important role. Among DFC activities, awareness raising was cited most commonly. There was some evidence of involvement of people living with dementia in organisational and operational aspects of DFCs. Approaches to evaluation varied, with little evidence of findings having effected change.
DFCs are characterised by variation in type, resourcing, and activities. England has policy endorsement and a recognition system for DFCs. These can be important catalysts for initiation and growth. A systematic approach to evaluation is lacking. This would enable DFCs to be consistent in how they demonstrate progress and how they enable people living with dementia to live well.
描述英格兰各地的痴呆症友好社区（DFC）的特点，以便为全国范围内评估它们对痴呆症患者生活的影响提供信息。
通过在线搜索和阿尔茨海默氏症协会的记录，确定了英格兰的 DFC。根据在线搜索，选择了 100 个 DFC 进行深入研究，并在必要时进行后续电话访问。数据收集和分析的依据是针对 DFC 组织方式、资源配置以及其影响评估方式的试点评估工具。该证据主要是定性的，此外还有一些描述性的定量信息。
在确定的 284 个 DFC 中，有 251 个是按地理位置定义的，而 33 个是有共同兴趣的社区。在所抽样的 100 个 DFC 中，有 89 个是在 2012 年 DFC 政策认可后成立或开始活动的。在 DFC 的资源配置中，法定机构和慈善机构发挥了重要作用。在 DFC 活动中，提高认识被引用得最为普遍。有证据表明痴呆症患者参与了 DFC 的组织和运营方面。评估方法各不相同，几乎没有证据表明评估结果会带来变化。
DFC 的特点是类型、资源和活动的多样性。英格兰有针对 DFC 的政策认可和认可系统。这些对于启动和发展可以是重要的催化剂。缺乏系统的评估方法。这将使 DFC 能够在如何展示进展以及如何使痴呆症患者过上更好的生活方面保持一致。
