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Efficacy and Effectiveness of Extended Nursing Roles in Primary Dementia Care ‐ Results of the Multicenter, Cluster‐randomized Trial

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Extended nursing roles in dementia care can improve treatment, care, and patient and caregiver outcomes. We tested the efficacy and cost‐effectiveness in People living with Dementia (PlwD) and caregivers. Method We analyzed data from 417 PlwD within the multicenter, cluster‐randomized InDePendent trial six months after baseline. Specifically qualified nurses carried out advanced dementia care management tailored to patient's and caregiver's needs. Outcomes includes unmet needs (CANE), Quality of Life (QoL‐AD, EQ‐5D), Caregiver burden (Zarit), and cost‐effectiveness (FIMA, RUD). Result PlwD receiving the intervention had 74% lower unmet needs (0.26, CI 95% 0.17‐0.40, p <0.001) and higher quality of life (0.04, CI 95% 0.01–0.07, p = 0.017) than controls. There was a gain in QALY (0.01, CI 95% ‐0.001‐0.018) at slightly higher costs (1,425€, CI 95% 638‐2,211). There was no effect on caregiver burden. Conclusion The results provide evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of extended nursing roles in dementia care, demonstrating that extended nursing roles reduce unmet needs and improve quality of life.

Source: Alzheimer s & Dementia

DOI: 10.1002/alz70858_104268