SoCA - Theorisation by a meta-study

The aim of this study was the development of a middle-range theory (SoCA-Dem) on the complex phenomenon of stability. The guiding research questions were: How is stability of home-based care arrangements for people living with dementia constituted? What are the essential factors that influence stability? In a meta-study we synthesised existing knowledge from about 100 publications. The derived theory conceptualises the creation and maintenance of stability as a cyclic process of acting of the persons involved in home-based care. The actors continuously notice, evaluate and adapt to changes within the care situation. This cycle of acting influences and is influenced by core concepts that determine the stability of the home-based care arrangement. The forming and meaning of the key concepts chance over the care trajectory. The SoCA-Dem theory is used as the theoretical frame in the current empirical studies of the project line. Experiences from the empirical application are fed back and the theory is continuously validated and further developed.

Köhler, K., Dreyer, J., Hochgraeber, I., von Kutzleben, M., Pinkert, C., Roes, M., & Holle, B. (2021). Towards a middle-range theory of ‘Stability of home-based care arrangements for people living with dementia’ (SoCA-Dem): findings from a meta-study on mixed research. BMJ Open, 11(4), e042515. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042515

Dreyer, J., Köhler, K., Hochgraeber, I., Holle, B., & von Kutzleben, M. (2018). Stability of home-based care arrangements for people living with dementia: protocol of a meta-study on mixed research. BMJ Open, 8, e021156. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-021156