Giebel, Clarissa 
ORCID: 0000-0002-0746-0566, Caprioli, Thais, Poole, Marie, Talbot, Catherine, Cannon, Jacqui, Hanna, Kerry ORCID: 0000-0001-7357-7749, Robinson, Louise, Rozansky, Deborah, Tetlow, Hilary, Walpert, Madeleine et al (show 1 more authors)
(2026)
General Dementia Training for the Social Care Workforce: A Systematic Review
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, 82 (6).
pp. 5790-5812.
ISSN 0309-2402, 1365-2648
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to assess and synthesize the global evidence on existing general dementia training and education for the social care workforce. Design: Mixed-methods systematic review. Data Sources: Systematic searches on five databases (PubMed, APA PsychINFO, CINAHL Plus, Scopus, Web of Science) were conducted for articles published between 2010 and July 2024. Methods: Each abstract and full text was screened by two research team members, with conflicts of inclusion dissolved by a third team member. Data were extracted and studies narratively synthesized by the group into comparisons of content, delivery mode, workforce and outcomes/impact. Results: Twenty-seven studies from 13 mainly high-income countries were included in this review. Most studies provided training to care home staff, with studies using remote, in-person and blended training delivery modes. While the focus was on generic dementia education, various interventions have been evidenced in the social care workforce, to different effects. Most changes in outcomes were reported for staff knowledge and confidence, while evidence on impacts on people with dementia is limited and mixed. Conclusion: There are various types of in-person and remote dementia training available for the social care workforce, with overall positive impacts on knowledge and change in care delivery. Evidenced interventions need to be implemented across countries and have the potential to improve dementia knowledge, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries where evidence and the social care workforce are limited. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: Findings provide clear recommendations on the value and benefit of diverse dementia training on the social care workforce, care delivery and limited but emerging evidence on service user outcomes. Nurses are key parts of the staff working in social care settings, including care homes and would thus benefit from the identified dementia training. Patient or Public Contribution: Two former unpaid carers and three voluntary sector staff helped interpret the findings and reviewed drafts of the manuscript. They are co-authors.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | dementia, social care, training |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health > Primary Care & Mental Health Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health > Inst. Population Health (T&R Staff) Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Population Health > School of AHPs and Nursing |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Nov 2025 13:35 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Jun 2026 08:31 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/jan.70288 |
| Open Access URL: | https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.70288 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3195619 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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