Evidence-based care pathways for people with dementia and neurodegenerative disorders in Europe: a systematic review of models, integration of digital technologies, and quality indicators - Report - MDSpire
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Evidence-based care pathways for people with dementia and neurodegenerative disorders in Europe: a systematic review of models, integration of digital technologies, and quality indicators
Clinical Report: Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Care Models for Dementia
Overview
This systematic review synthesizes evidence on dementia and neurodegenerative care pathways in Europe, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. It identifies common organizational functions and proposes a conceptual framework to enhance care delivery based on findings from 81 studies across 11 European countries.
Background
Dementia and neurodegenerative disorders significantly impact European health systems, leading to increased hospitalizations and care demands, as evidenced by various studies. Effective care pathways are essential for improving continuity of care and addressing the complex needs of patients and caregivers. The integration of digital technologies into these pathways presents opportunities for more personalized and efficient care.
Data Highlights
The review included 81 studies from 11 European countries, focusing on care pathways for dementia and neurodegenerative disorders, with a variety of methodologies and outcomes assessed.
Key Findings
Most studies emphasized early-stage processes such as referral, diagnosis, and initial support, with limited focus on later-stage elements like long-term management and palliative care.
A consistent functional core across studies included care coordination, multidisciplinary teamwork, and caregiver involvement.
Substantial heterogeneity in study designs limited comparability across contexts.
The review proposes an evidence-informed conceptual framework for dementia care pathways based on the synthesized findings.
Clinical Implications
Healthcare professionals should consider the identified core functions in developing care pathways for dementia, as these findings reflect patterns in the literature rather than direct clinical recommendations.
Conclusion
The review highlights the importance of structured care pathways in managing dementia and neurodegenerative disorders, advocating for a more integrated approach to care delivery based on the evidence synthesized.
