The efficacy of Dementia Care Mapping as an audit tool: Report of a 3-year British NHS evaluation

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Abstract
Dementia Care Mapping (DCM, Kitwood & Bredin, 1994a) was incorporated into the Quality Assurance Strategy of an urban British Mental Health (NHS) Trust. Its role as an audit of the outcome of the care process in formal dementia care settings was evaluated. DCM was used in two day hospitals, an assessment ward, two respite care units and four continuing care units over three annual evaluation cycles. This equated to approximately 1,614 hours of mapping over the three cycles. The way in which DCM was used is described in detail. The results were generally very positive with improvements in the quality of care practice being demonstrated. Although anxious about the observational nature of DCM, staff viewed it as a positive means of improving quality of care. DCM is seen as being a highly appropriate audit tool to use in NHS formal dementia care settings. Information on the experience of managing a DCM project is shared.