Tool shows promise for improving mental health discharge for dementia patients
A new dementia discharge tool has shown promise in helping people leave mental health hospitals more safely, according to researchers.
The study found the SAFER-Dem intervention could support safer, more coordinated moves from hospital to community care for people with dementia.
Researchers said the approach is patient-centred and aligns care with best practice guidance while addressing the specific needs of people with dementia.
Dr Natasha Tyler, research fellow at the University of Manchester, who led the study, said: “People with dementia often have difficult experiences when discharged from mental health hospitals. Many feel confused, unheard, or not involved in decisions about their own care.
“Staff also report challenges, such as lack of time, unclear communication and busy ward environments.
“We worked directly with people living with dementia, unpaid carers, and healthcare professionals to help improve the discharge process from hospital to community for people with dementia.
“Our study participants took part in workshops and interviews, where they tried out early versions of the SAFER-Dem materials and gave feedback. Altogether, 29 people participated.”
Care bundles are sets of practical, evidence-based interventions designed to improve the quality and safety of care.
The research team had already developed a care bundle called SAFER-Mental Health, or SAFER-MH, which adapted the NHS SAFER patient flow bundle for mental health settings.
Using a co-design approach, researchers worked with participants to redesign SAFER-MH into a clearer, simpler and more dementia-inclusive version called SAFER-Dem.
Twenty-nine participants took part in workshops and interviews, where they tested early versions of the SAFER-Dem materials and gave feedback.
They said current discharge processes are often poor, citing unclear communication, not receiving enough information, difficulty navigating busy environments and a lack of involvement in planning.
Medication information was a particular concern.
Overall, participants said SAFER-Dem could help improve conversations, support shared decision-making and make the discharge process feel more person-centred.
However, they also said people with more severe dementia may need more support or may not always be able to use the materials independently.
Co-author Professor Maria Panagioti from the University of Manchester said: “Our study shows that by improving the quality and consistency of discharge planning, SAFER-Dem has the potential to enhance patient safety, strengthen system resilience, and support more timely discharges where appropriate.
“It may also help reduce avoidable readmissions by ensuring that patients leave hospital with the right support in place.
“The SAFER-Dem intervention is not just about speeding up discharge, but about improving how discharge is delivered, making it safer, more personalised, and more effective for both patients and the wider health system.”
The researchers concluded that SAFER-Dem shows promise for making discharge from mental health inpatient care safer, clearer and more inclusive for people living with dementia.
Further evaluation and testing will help determine how SAFER-Dem can be scaled across mental health services.
