The components of personal passports for people living with dementia in an acute healthcare setting: an integrative review

Abstract

Aim To explore the components of personal passports for people living with dementia in an acute healthcare setting.

Background Globally, supporting people with dementia poses a prominent health and social care challenge. Importance for people with dementia in an acute healthcare setting includes social relationships and communication with healthcare staff. A personal passport is an international initiative designed to support the personhood of the person living with dementia.

Methods This integrative review is based on the methodology of Whittmore and Knafl (2005). The Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and checklist were adhered to. A database search of PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and EBSCO databases was systematically performed.

Results This integrative review identified nine research studies on the components of personal passports that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A constant comparative method of data analysis identified five key pivotal themes: person‐centredness, communication, family/carer involvement, education and leadership.

Conclusion The use of personal passports supports the provision of person‐centred care for people living with dementia through enhancing the well‐being of both the person and their families/caregivers.

Relevance to clinical practice Personal passports are an important document and should be determined by the person with dementia, their care needs and the caregiver's role in meeting these needs.