The Role of Dementia Champions Across Health and Social Care Settings: Identifying Mechanisms of Action Using a Theory of Change Approach

As the global prevalence of dementia continues to rise, expanding and upskilling the health and social care workforce is a top priority. To address this need, some health and social care services have implemented Dementia Champions (DCs). DCs are typically existing staff who are recognised and developed as dementia specialists to advocate for the needs of people affected by dementia within their service. However, evidence around the DC role across health and social care is limited. In this narrative review, we aimed to understand and define the DC role by exploring who becomes a DC; where they work; what their tasks and responsibilities are; and what is needed for the role to be successful. For the latter, we aimed to develop a Theory of Change framework for implementing, embedding, and maintaining the DC role in health and social care settings. A systematic search of the literature identified DCs working predominantly in hospitals and care home settings with a notable absence of the DC role within homecare services. Tasks and responsibilities of the DC role varied between settings and services. Findings highlighted that to be successful, the role needs clear definitions and boundaries; organisational and managerial support and buy-in (including establishing protected time for the role); and ongoing professional development. While DCs are implemented in pockets of the health and social care workforce, the role is not well established. Further research is needed to assess the impact of DCs on workforce effectiveness and staff well-being, patient and family carer outcomes, and cost-effectiveness in diverse health and social care settings.