title: Knowledge evaluation in dementia care networks: a mixed-methods analysis of knowledge evaluation strategies and the success of informing family caregivers about dementia support services.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In general, most people with dementia living in the community are served by family caregivers at home. A similar situation is found in Germany. One primary goal of dementia care networks is to provide information on support services available to these caregiving relatives of people with dementia via knowledge management. The evaluation of knowledge management tools and processes for dementia care networks is relevant to their performance in successfully achieving information goals. One goal of this paper was the analysis of knowledge evaluation in dementia care networks, including potential barriers and facilitators, across Germany within the DemNet-D study. Additionally, the impact of highly formalized and less formalized knowledge management performed in dementia care networks was analyzed relative to family caregivers' feelings of being informed about dementia support services.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative data were collected through interviews with and semi-standardized questionnaires administered to key persons from 13 dementia care networks between 2013 and 2014. Quantitative data were collected using standardized questionnaires. A structured content analysis and a mixed-methods analysis were conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The analyses indicated that the development of knowledge goals is important for a systematic knowledge evaluation process. Feedback from family caregivers was found to be beneficial for the target-oriented evaluation of dementia care network services. Surveys and special conferences, such as quality circles, were used in certain networks to solicit this feedback. Limited resources can hinder the development of formalized knowledge evaluation processes. More formalized knowledge management processes in dementia care networks can lead to a higher level of knowledge among family caregivers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The studied tools, processes and potential barriers related to knowledge evaluation contribute to the development and optimization of knowledge evaluation strategies for use in dementia care networks. Furthermore, the mixed-methods results indicate that highly formalized dementia care networks are especially successful in providing information to family members caring for people with dementia via knowledge management.
authors: German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - Site Witten, Stockumer Straße 12, 58453 Witten, Germany.
authors: Steffen
authors: 0000-0003-0519-9613
authors: S
authors: Heinrich
authors: German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - Site Witten, Stockumer Straße 12, 58453 Witten, Germany.
authors: Franziska Laporte
authors: FL
authors: Uribe
authors: German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - Site Rostock, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17487 Greifswald, Germany.
authors: Markus
authors: M
authors: Wübbeler
authors: Institute of Community Medicine, University of Greifswald, Ellernholzstraße 1-2, 17487 Greifswald, Germany.
authors: Wolfgang
authors: W
authors: Hoffmann
authors: German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) - Site Witten, Stockumer Straße 12, 58453 Witten, Germany.
authors: Martina
authors: M
authors: Roes
keywords: Dementia; Home care; Information; Knowledge evaluation; Knowledge management; Networks; Support services