Published on: July 3, 2020
The DCRC is seeking proposals to develop guidelines for the appropriate use of psychotropic medicines for people living with dementia. Clear and accurate guidance regarding the use of such medicines is required for clinicians and other care staff to reduce chemical restraints and improve care for people living with dementia.
Guidelines are also required for consumers (i.e. people with dementia, families/ care partners and the general public) so they may be involved in the decision-making process regarding care.
DCRC will provide up to $200,000 for this project and applications close Friday 17 July 2020, 5:00pm EST.
For further information please contact Tiffany Jessop at dcrcGrants@unsw.edu.au.
Download this InformationBackground
Funded by the Australian government, the Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration (DCRC) operates to advance the Strategic Roadmap for Dementia Research and Translation. The DCRC’s primary research foci within the broader topic of dementia research are prevention, assessment and diagnosis, intervention and treatment, care and living with dementia.
The DCRC’s primary goals are to increase knowledge and implementation of research findings in these areas and to fund world class research by way of pilot grants, large grants, production of guidelines, scholarships and capacity building.
The Commissioners for the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety put forth three recommendations requiring immediate attention within aged care. One of those was to respond to the significant over-reliance on chemical restraint in aged care services, https://agedcare.royalcommission.gov.au/news/Pages/media-releases/interim-report-released-31-october-2019.aspx
A need has been identified to update guidelines to include the most recent high-quality research from the evidence base and consider practical concerns highlighted through the Royal Commission. The specific needs of communities including Aboriginal and Torres State Islander persons, people with intellectual disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds also require consideration.
Scope
Guidelines are required for the appropriate use of psychotropic medications for people living with dementia and people receiving aged care services in Australia. Clear and accurate guidance regarding the use of such medicines is required for clinicians and other care staff to reduce chemical restraints and improve care for people living with dementia.
Guidelines are also required for consumers (i.e. people with dementia, families/ care partners and the general public) so they may be involved in the decision-making process regarding care.
Output/Aim
Guidelines and accompanying resources will be developed that are concise and easily accessible, so they are more likely to be used by clinicians who are working under tight time constraints. They will be professionally designed to suit internet and computer-based use, smart phone Apps and will be able to be printed as an A4 document and in other formats.
Clinical guidelines are required for medical practitioners and other senior and clinical staff working directly with people with dementia (including researchers, psychiatrists, geriatricians, registered nurses). In addition, an accompanying information resource is required for other healthcare staff (including nursing and healthcare assistants), people living with dementia, families, care partners, the general public. This information resource should be targeted and formatted appropriately with consideration for the language used, level of detail and ease of reading.
The purpose of the revised guideline is to provide recommendations for the Australian context for the optimal prescription and use of psychotropic medications in people with dementia and people receiving aged care services. The aim is widespread adoption that will lead to improved prescribing practices, decreased use of ‘chemical restraints’, and improved outcomes for people with dementia and their families and/or care partners. A knowledge translation/implementation plan should be formulated as a guide to subsequent implementation into practice.
Advisory Committee
An advisory committee must be established at commencement of the project to provide oversight for the Guideline Adaptation process. Possible relevant stakeholders for consideration are medical practitioner within the disciplines of geriatric and psyhogeriatrics, pharmacists, advocacy groups and peak bodies, industry stakeholders, government and DCRC.
Timelines
| Request for Proposal due | 17th July 2020 |
| Successful contractor notified | 6th August 2020 |
| Contract commences | August 2020 |
| Brief progress report | 26th October 2020 |
| Interim report | 29th January 2021 |
| Submission of draft to DCRC for external review | End March 2021 |
| Review completed and returned | Mid April 2021 |
| Submission of final report | End April 2021 |
Quote
DCRC will provide up to $200,000 for this project. A realistic, detailed budget is required.
Applicant Eligibility
This Request for Proposal is open to qualified clinicians and researchers employed by higher education institutions, medical research institutes and others with relevant expertise and experience. The review panel will closely examine the background, qualifications, skills and relevant experience of applicants and consider their ability to complete the project to a high standard. Conflicts of interest must be declared.
Selection Criteria
- Quality of proposal including methodological approach
- Alignment of proposed activities to requirements
- Relevant background, qualification and experience of applicants
- Value for money
- Knowledge translation/ implementation plan
Assessment Process
All proposals will be received and collated by the DCRC administrative team and reviewed by an independent panel, with clinical psychogeriatric, pharmacy guideline and KT experience, as well as two consumers.
All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their proposal by the end of July 2020.
How to Apply
There is no formal proposal template. Applicants are requested to submit a proposal of no more than 6 pages (A4, 12p font, Calibri) that includes the following details:
- Name of applicant, organisation/s and any partners
- Summary of applicant expertise. Please include a paragraph for each person on the application outlining their relevant expertise to carry out the project.
- Proposed methodology including dissemination plan and timeline
- Project budget and justification