The Delivery of Person-Centered Care for People Living With Dementia in Residential Aged Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Objectives Person-centered care is the gold standard of care for people living with dementia, yet few systematic reviews have detailed how it is delivered in practice. This mixed-methods review aimed to examine the delivery of person-centered care, and its effectiveness, for people living with dementia in residential aged care. Research Design and Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eligible studies were identified across 4 databases. Quantitative and qualitative studies containing data on person-centered care delivered to people with dementia living in residential aged care were included. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted where more than 3 studies measured the same outcome. A narrative meta-synthesis approach was undertaken to categorize verbatim participant quotes into representative themes. Risk of bias was undertaken using quality appraisal tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results 41 studies were identified for inclusion. There were 34 person-centered care initiatives delivered, targeting 14 person-centered care outcomes. 3 outcomes could be pooled. Meta-analyses demonstrated no reduction in agitation (standardized mean difference -0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.58, 0.03), improvement in quality of life (standardized mean difference -0.63, 95% CI: -1.95, 0.70), or reduced neuropsychiatric symptoms (mean difference -1.06, 95% CI: -2.16, 0.05). Narrative meta-synthesis revealed barriers (e.g., time constraints) and enablers (e.g., staff collaboration) to providing person-centered care from a staff perspective. Discussion and Implications The effectiveness of person-centered care initiatives delivered to people with dementia in residential aged care is conflicting. Further high-quality research over an extended time is required to identify how person-centered care can be best implemented to improve resident outcomes.