Continuous Quality Improvement in Specialized Dementia Care Program

SDCP contractors are obligated by contract to be engaged in continuous quality Improvement. Each facility should have a QA committee as described in WAC 388-78A-2460. On an annual basis, SDCP facilities will be asked to report information about the facilities CQI efforts. Facilities should use the CQI Reporting Guidelines to complete the report.  To submit, you may either use this template provided CQI Reporting Template 2016 or submit your response in narrative format making sure you use, as section headers the specific elements outlined in the CQI reporting guidelines.

SDCP Process Improvement Training Information

• SDCP Introduction to Quality Improvement Webinar (April 2015)
• WSQA/CQI Manual
• WSQA/CQI Recorded Webinars
• WSQA PowerPoint Presentations
  • Process Improvement Webinar #1
  • Process Improvement Webinar #2
  • Process Improvement Webinar #3
  • Process Improvement Webinar #4
  • Process Improvement Webinar #5

SDCP Specific Tools/Checklists

• SDCP Reducing Fall Risks Assessment Elements 
• SDCP Reducing Fall Risks Post-Fall Assessment Elements
• SDCP Reducing Fall Risks - Knowledge, Skills & Process Checklist: How are we doing?
• SDCP Moving Towards Improved Behavioral Outcomes – Knowledge, Skills & Process: How are we doing? 

Improving Quality in Dementia Care - Recommendations & Guidelines

• Dementia Care Practice Recommendations Phases 1 and 2, Alzheimer's Association
  Covers fundamentals of dementia care and six key care practice areas: food and fluid consumption, pain management, social engagement, resident wandering, falls and physical restraint-free care.
• Dementia Care Practice Recommendations Phase 3, Alzheimer's Association
  Covers minimizing physical, emotional and spiritual distress; maximizing well-being; ensuring communication with the resident, family and care team.
• Guideline for Alzheimer’s Disease Management; California Workgroup on Guidelines for Alzheimer’s Disease Management (PDF)
• Alzheimer’s Australia – Quality Dementia Care Series
• National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, Dementia Quality Standard, United Kingdom 

Additional Resources to Inform SDCP Provider Quality Improvement Efforts

• National Center for Assisted Living – Quality Initiative 
• Resources for Quality Improvement, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
• Implementing Change in Long Term Care/A practical guide (Commonwealth Fund) - Some chapters of interest, e.g., person centered care and mentoring programs

Special Issues in Dementia Care

• Behaviors – Antipsychotics and Non-pharmacologic alternatives
• Alzheimer's Disease Medications Fact Sheet, National Institute on Aging
• Identifying Medications that Older Adults Should Avoid or Use With Caution: 2012 American Geriatrics Society Updated Beers Criteria
• Handbook on Frontotemporal dementia, National Institute on Aging
• Progress Report on Alzheimer's Disease 2010 (ADEAR/NIH)

For more Information & websites on caring for individuals with dementia

• Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease or Other Dementia