Professional stakeholders’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators to implementing a behavioural activation intervention for people with dementia

• Introduction: Depression is commonly experienced by people with dementia. Whilst evidence-based psychologicalinterventions are effective, a large psychological care gap remains. Behavioral activation may representa potential solution to close this gap. Following the MRC Framework for developing complexinterventions, considering potential barriers and facilitators to implementation is recommended duringintervention development. This study aimed to identify professional stakeholders’ perceptions of barriersand facilitators to future implementation.Methods: Following a topic guide informed by Normalization Process Theory (NPT), focus groups and semistructuredinterviews were held with healthcare professionals (n=18) and community stakeholders (n=7).Data was analyzed using the NPT coding manual, with inductive categories generated for data related tomain NPT mechanisms, but not captured by its sub-constructs.Results: A number of barriers and facilitators were identified. Facilitators include the proposed intervention: (1)has potential to fill a large psychological care gap; (2) has understandable and agreed upon objectivesand potential benefits; and (3) could easily be integrated into the lives of people with dementia and theirinformal caregivers. Barriers include lack of: (1) engagement from politicians and decision-makers; (2)appropriate workforce to provide intervention guidance; (3) time and financial resources.Conclusions: Results have informed the adaptation of a tailored intervention, optimized to improve futureimplementation potential. A subsequent feasibility study will further examine intervention feasibility andacceptability.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

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