Changing the dementia care ecosystem: implementation and initial evaluation of a novel Dementia Friendly Healthcare model.

Objectives

There is a need to develop person-centered models to support healthcare system readiness to serve persons with dementia (PwD) and caregivers across settings. We present a novel, comprehensive and flexible Dementia Friendly Healthcare (DFH) model, comprising six components to support staff knowledge, environmental optimization, and sustainability and spread. Using the RE-

Aim

framework, we report on the implementation and initial evaluation at one U.S. Veterans Health Administration medical center.

Method

For N = 350 clinical and non-clinical employees who completed brief DFH training, change in dementia knowledge and attitudes was assessed using the Approaches to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ). Training acceptability was assessed with 3 items. Thematic analysis was conducted on interviews with N = 5 employees involved in initial implementation.

Results

Total ADQ score increased post-training (Mpre = 71.89 (SD 10.18), Mpost = 75.24 (SD 9.66), t (337) = 9.50, p < 0.001) and acceptability ratings were high. Qualitative findings revealed perceptions of effective implementation and sustainability of the DFH model, along with tangible positive changes in the workforce and environment.

Conclusion

The Dane County DFH model represents a promising approach to improving healthcare for PwD and caregivers that can be flexibly and sustainably implemented. Future research should include measurement of PwD and family outcomes.