The development and evaluation of an educational intervention for primary care promoting person-centred responses to dementia

Background Early diagnosis of dementia within primary care is important to allow access to support. However, dementia remains under-detected in general practice. Aim This work aimed to develop and evaluate an educational intervention for primary care promoting person-centred responses to people experiencing cognitive decline. Method A prototype educational intervention was pilot tested and refined; the final version of the educational intervention was then evaluated in four volunteer practices. A questionnaire was administered pre- and post-training to 94 practice staff to assess knowledge and attitudes to dementia. The responses of general practitioners (who make diagnostic, referral and treatment decisions) were compared with those from other staff who do not have such roles. Findings Post-training, there were statistically significant improvements in understanding of person-centred care for people with dementia; attitudes to early diagnosis; awareness of non-cognitive dementia symptoms; and awareness of the role that non-clinical staff may have in recognising dementia. Conclusions A dementia education intervention for primary care which fosters person-centred attitudes can involve all members of a primary care team. Further research is needed to ascertain if improvements in knowledge and attitudes translate into improved practice.