Abstract

Background: Dementia is a major global public health issue. It leads to cognitive decline in patients, which in turn results in decreased activities of daily living (ADL) . This cascade of effects not only increases the burden on family caregivers but also imposes a significant economic strain on society and the nation. In China, the majority of elderly individuals with dementia rely on family caregivers, who often lack sufficient knowledge to address the decline in patients’ ADL, particularly basic activities of daily living. These caregivers are in urgent need of systematic support.
Methods:  We systematically searched guideline websites (8), electronic databases (6), and professional association websites (9) to screen for high-quality relevant literature published up to February 1, 2025. Based on this, a text-based knowledge base was constructed, covering assessment, problem identification, and intervention knowledge. Subsequently, we developed a series of popular science videos based on Lasswell’s “5W” communication model and embedded them into the knowledge base to form the initial version. Five multidisciplinary experts were then invited to discuss the structure, textual content, and educational videos of the knowledge base in a meeting.Twelve family caregivers were recruited to evaluate the popular science videos using the PEMAT-A/V scale from the user end. Finally, the team members discussed and developed the optimal revision plan based on expert opinions and questionnaire data, resulting in the final version of the knowledge base.
Results: A total of 42 studies were included, comprising 3 guidelines, 4 expert consensuses, 26 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and 9 randomized controlled trials. Based on these studies, the knowledge base was constructed as follows: The Physical Self-Maintenance Scale (PSMS) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADLs) were incorporated into the assessment knowledge base; Fourteen daily activity problems (6 basic activities of daily living and 8 instrumental activities of daily living) were included in the problem knowledge base; The summarized evidence was categorized into six themes (factors influencing outcomes, nursing goals, principles, strategies, non-pharmacological interventions, and specific project care) to form the intervention knowledge base. Furthermore,6 popular science videos covering basic activities of daily living (such as toileting, eating, dressing, grooming, walking, and bathing) were developed and embedded into the knowledge base. Subsequently, five multidisciplinary experts validated and optimized the knowledge base (including the educational videos) with a high level of authority (Cr=0.85). Twelve family caregivers rated the understandability (88.63) and actionability (90.91) of the videos as satisfactory, although there were some controversies in the evaluation of specific items. Finally, after group discussion, the final checklist-style knowledge base was developed, with the assessment, problem, and intervention modules corresponding to each other.The knowledge base offers a total of 20 intervention themes and 87 specific measures, which can be tailored to address the problems identified through patient assessment.
Conclusion: Based on the latest and most robust research evidence and validated by multidisciplinary authorities, this study has established a knowledge base for supporting the daily living activities of elderly patients with dementia in home settings, integrating professional text and educational videos.The content of this knowledge base is characterized by both scientific rigor and practical feasibility, aiming to provide family caregivers of elderly patients with dementia a practical and reliable tool for guiding daily living care.