Components of cognitive competence predictive of occupational competence in persons with dementia: a Delphi study.
BACKGROUND
Within the area of dementia care, occupational therapists are asked to predict occupational competence in everyday living and often do so by assessing cognitive competence. Considering the cognitive changes that occur with dementia over time, the construct of cognitive competence is a key consideration. Still, a gap exists in the literature examining the relationship between cognitive competence and occupational competence.


OBJECTIVE
This study developed a consensus among participating Canadian occupational therapists regarding the components of cognitive competence they considered essential to predict occupational competence in people with dementia.


METHODS
A three-round Delphi study was completed with English- and French-speaking occupational therapists (n = 127; 116; 125) experienced in dementia care.


RESULTS
Ten cognitive components were identified as essential to predict occupational competence in individuals with dementia.


CONCLUSIONS
The 10 identified components provide direction for assessment practices and education in dementia care and for development of measurement tools.
Graduate Program in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Occupational Science), University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. briana.zur@outlook.com
Briana M
BM
Zur
Debbie Laliberte
DL
Rudman
Andrew M
AM
Johnson
Eric A
EA
Roy
Jennie L
JL
Wells
D001364:Awareness; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003142:Communication; D003697:Delphi Technique; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*