Just Accepted
This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.
Supporting primary care practitioners to promote dementia risk reduction in Australian general practice: outcomes of a cross-sectional, non-randomised implementation pilot study
Abstract
Background. Primary care practitioners worldwide are urged to promote dementia risk reduction as part of preventive care. To facilitate this in Australian primary care, we developed the Umbrella intervention, comprising a waiting room survey and patient information cards for use in consultations. Educational and relational strategies were employed to mitigate implementation barriers. Methods. In this cross-sectional, non-randomised implementation study within the South East Melbourne Primary Health Network, we employed mixed-methods outcome evaluation. Antecedent outcomes (acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility) and actual outcomes (adoption, penetration, and fidelity) were assessed from the perspective of primary care practitioners and patients. Results. Five practices piloted the intervention and implementation strategies, including 16 primary care practitioners engaging with 159 patients. The Umbrella intervention was deemed acceptable, appropriate, and feasible, but penetration was limited. Approximately half of eligible primary care practitioners used the intervention, with moderate fidelity. Engagement with implementation strategies was similarly limited. While most strategies were well-received, improvements in online peer discussions and staff readiness were desired. Conclusions. The Umbrella intervention is a viable approach to promoting dementia risk reduction in Australian general practice, supported by educational and relational strategies. Stakeholder-informed refinements to enhance uptake are recommended before advancing to a definitive trial.
py24063 Accepted 13 September 2024
© La Trobe University 2024
