Project partners: Institute of Health, Midwifery and Nursing Science, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Paul Riebeck Foundation Halle (Saale), BG clinic Bergmannstrost Halle (Saale)

Objective: Development, implementation and evaluation of a multi-professional care approach with a focus on case management, based on the ‘transitional care’ model, to improve cross-sectoral care for geriatric patients following hospitalisation.

Design: Feasibility study

Results: ongoing

Project partners: Institute of Health, Midwifery and Nursing Science, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Paul-Riebeck-Stiftung Halle (Saale) Working Group 'Dementia and Research' (German Alzheimer Association)

Objective: Development and testing of sensory stimulation interventions for people with dementia, as well as the integration of these interventions into existing care routines

Design: Participatory action research project based on the knowledge-to-action (KTA) process

Results: Working together with staff from various professional groups, family members, and people with dementia, stimulation interventions for immobile residents were identified. In a workshop, the staff selected interventions that could be integrated into existing care routines. These interventions were then implemented and evaluated by the staff during recurring four-week pilot phases, with the goal of making the findings available to the entire organisation. Various formats were developed to disseminate the measures, including a group of multipliers, “One-Minute Wonders,” and pocket cards as practical tools for implementation in everyday care.

Project partners: Diakonissenhaus ZION e.V. Aue, Institute of Health, Midwifery and Nursing Science, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Working Group 'Dementia and Research' (German Alzheimer Association)

Objective: Promoting self-determination and independence among people with dementia within the care and support services provided by the Diakonissenhaus ZION e.V. care facilities, with a focus on outpatient care

Design: Participatory action research project based on the knowledge-to-action (KTA) process

Results: Based on extensive surveys, the subproject developed the model “My Way, With Your Help.” The model covers key topics that illustrate how self-determination and independence can be promoted in people with dementia. A flyer was created to provide information to survey participants and the interested public (https://www.zion.de/altenhilfe/projekte-der-altenhilfe/). The findings should be used, on the one hand, to make care and support practices within the outpatient care service and the other care facilities run by the Diakonissenhaus more dementia-friendly.

Beyond the duration of the project, the adaptation of processes and routines will remain a key focus of the ongoing collaboration between Martin Luther University and the Diakonissenhaus Aue. In addition, another key focus has emerged over the final months of the project: there is a need for ongoing work on the attitude and dementia-specific communication skills of each and every member of staff.

View flyer: https://www.zion.de/fileadmin/user_upload/altenhilfe/prawidem/flyer-selbstbestimmung.pdf

Project partners: Kempener Feld residential neighbourhood of the Städtische Seniorenheime Krefeld, Institute of Nursing Science at the University of Cologne, Working Group 'Dementia and Research' (German Alzheimer Association)

Objective: Development and feasibility testing of pictograms to promote communication and self-determined decision-making for people with dementia

Methodological approach: Mixed Methods Design

Results: Following the development of an organisation-wide training programme, the majority of staff were trained in the use of pictograms. Their use was examined during documented pilot and trial phases and discussed in interviews. Findings – such as the ease of integration due to the minimal time required – were then summarised in a set of guidelines and rolled out to all of the organisation’s facilities via train-the-trainer sessions.

Project partners: Linn residential neighbourhood of the Städtische Seniorenheime Krefeld, Institute of Nursing Science at the University of Cologne, Working Group 'Dementia and Research' (German Alzheimer Association)

Objective: Analysis of the current situation regarding the challenges involved in dealing with refusal to eat and drink when caring for people with dementia, and the development of recommendations for action

Methodological approach: Cross-sectional study

Results: Following the joint and systematic development of a questionnaire, the needs analysis was extended to include a cross-sectional survey of all four of the organisation’s facilities. A total of 132 staff members took part in the survey. This enabled a total of six areas for action to be identified, for which an organisation-wide training day featuring round-robin sessions was recommended and carried out, covering topics such as accepting refusal, documentation and dealing with coercion. This was included in the organisation’s annual training catalogue.

Project partners: All five residential neighbourhoods of the Städtische Seniorenheime Krefeld, Institute of Nursing Science at the University of Cologne
Objective: Identifying challenging behaviours in community care, and the participatory development, piloting and evaluation of one complex intervention aimed at reducing challenging behaviour.
Design: Development and feasibility study
Ergebnisse: ongoing

The Living Lab approach to linking nursing practice and research was developed at Maastricht University in the Netherlands (PubMed). Since 2023, the PraWiLab has been collaborating with other Living Labs as part of an international network. The aim of this collaboration is to jointly research and further develop the Living Lab approach. To this end, annual Living Lab symposia are held, at which representatives from practice and academia present their projects and jointly plan new initiatives to further develop the approach.

The following Living Labs make up the network:

• Limburg Living Lab in Ageing and Long-Term Care, the Netherlands
• Nurturing Innovation in Care Home Excellence in Leeds (NICHE-Leeds), United Kingdom
• Open Innovation Nursing Lab (OPINION Lab), Austria
• PraWiLab