Cross-cultural comparison of the perceptions and experiences of dementia care mapping "mappers" in the United States and the United Kingdom

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Survey results from 161 respondents trained in dementia care mapping (DCM) in the United States and United Kingdom (82 and 79 respondents, respectively) addressed the following: (a) To what extent are mappers using DCM? (b) How satisfied are mappers with DCM? (c) What affect does DCM have on mappers' attitudes toward their dementia practice? and (d) What challenges are encountered by mappers in the use of DCM? METHOD: Analyses using odds ratios were used to make international and training-level (basic vs. advanced) comparisons. RESULTS: Differences across countries were found in use of DCM and lack of satisfaction using DCM codes. Similarities were found with positive affects of DCM on attitudes and lack of time for DCM. DISCUSSION: Differences in mappers' experiences and perceptions exist across the two countries, warranting increased attention to the cultural contexts within which mappers are situated and how these affect the implementation of DCM within a country.