The 2027 National Audit of Dementia in General Hospitals consists of three components:

• A casenote audit with a sample of 40 patients
• An Annual Census Day data collection
• Feedback from people with dementia and carers.

Below is a brief overview for the audit summary timeline. Detailed tools and guidance will be provided as they are finalised.

Overview

Overview: National Audit of Dementia in General Hospitals

The National Audit of Dementia trialled an Annual Census Day spot audit in June 2026. The findings from this trial have helped inform the 2027 National Audit of Dementia in General Hospitals. The report will be shared with participating hospitals in late October 2026. The 2026 Annual Census Day spot audit trial details and guidance can be found below.

A Census Day within a one-week period across all hospitals to collect timely, on-the-spot information about the prevalence (total number at one time) of patients living with dementia admitted to hospitals. Focus point to raise awareness about your team's person-centred practice and initiatives on feedback and support for patients living with dementia and carers.

Annual Census Day objectives

1. Point-in-time prevalence: Collate totals from all wards on the number of inpatients living with dementia or cognitive impairment in each hospital. This will achieve a national and local picture of prevalence.
2. Awareness and support: Raise awareness of dementia resources and carer support available in the hospital (e.g. John’s Campaign) and how to access them.
3. Personal information document supporting care: Mini spot audit (3 wards) to measure the percentage of patients with dementia with a 'This is Me' or an equivalent information document in place.
4. Mobility and engagement: Mini spot audit to measure the percentage of patients with dementia appropriately sat-out of bed across three selected wards.

Data to collect (on the day)

Ward Census (point prevalence)

• Total inpatients at snapshot time
• Number with known dementia diagnosis (from EPR or notes)
• Number with suspected cognitive impairment (based on recent screening/clinical judgment)

Mini Spot Audits

1. Personal information document

• Sample a subset of patients
• Record whether a 'This is Me' (or equivalent) document is present and visible in the notes or at bedside
• Metric: % with information document in place in total sample
• Additional quality improvement/learning opportunity: is information required to provide care recorded? Is information about the person's preferences (e.g. name) and dislikes recorded?

2. Sat out of bed (mobility/engagement)

• In three wards of different types, sample during a designated morning period
• Note whether the patient was sat out of bed and dressed during the time period
• Metric: % sat out in total ward

Guidance

Guidance: Annual Census Day data collection

Data collection templates

• Annual Census Day Part 1: Whole Hospital Census (Word Template)
• Annual Census Day Part 2: Spot Audit Personal Information Document (Word Template)
• Annual Census Day Part 3: Spot Audit Sat Out Patients (Word Template)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Annual Census Day FAQ

A Healthcare Quality Improvement Plan was developed for acute general hospitals over the course of 2025 through consultation with NAD's Clinical Audit Leads, Steering, Implementation and Lived Experience Groups. The draft plan outlines the goals and key metrics prioritised for audit and is subject to change / further development related to feasibility.

Healthcare Quality Improvement Plan for Acute General Hospitals

Please see NAD's Information governance page for more information on how data is collected and used for the National Audit of Dementia.