Table 4.

Structured Care Protocols

Practice	Description	Evidence	Assessment of implementation and investment
Mouth care	Structured protocols for providing mouth care that include person-centered communication and interaction strategies as well as technical skills.	Small evidence base	Well accepted by participants
		Evidence is preliminary; one study found positive effects on care-resistant behaviors	No known harmful effectsReducing threat, anxiety, fear, and pain may be key elements of effectivenessLow investment (low time, usual caregiver, modest resources)
		More high-quality research required
Bathing	Structured protocols for providing bathing care that include person-centered communication and interaction strategies as well as technical skills.	Small evidence base	Well accepted by participantsNo known harmful effectsReducing fear and pain may be key elements of effectivenessLow investment (low time, usual caregiver, modest resources)
		Evidence indicates positive effects on agitation, aggression, irritability, anxiety
		More high-quality research required, using consistent implementation protocols and outcome measures