Practice and improvement plans of the tailored dementia case management in local dementia centers: A qualitative study using focus group

Purpose: With the nationwide expansion of local dementia centers (LDCs) after the National Re-sponsibility for Dementia System, the number of tailored dementia case management (TDCM) programs increased significantly, but qualitative improvement in TDCM is still a remaining task. The purpose of this study was to explore the current practice of the TDCM in LDCs and suggest directions for future program improvement. Methods: A focus group interview was conducted with seven hands-on workers who had experience in TDCM at the LDCs. Participants (mean age=40 years old) were nurses, social worker, and occupational therapist with an average of 9.1 years of working experience in TDCM. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The results were sum-marized into three core themes and fourteen sub-themes. The three core themes were ‘Job Characteristics of TDCM,’ ‘Barriers to the effective operation of TDCM,’ and ‘Improvement plans for successful TDCM.’ Conclusion: To establish the function and role of TDCM within the domestic dementia management system, we propose five areas for improvement: 1) Developing a standardized TDCM manual; 2) Quantitative and qualitative expansion of case manager working capacity; 3) Activating a multidisciplinary team approach; 4) Forming a collaborative network between related organizations and local community councils; 5) Active promotion of TDCM.