Critical Workforce Gaps in Dementia Education and Training.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Services Research
• Workforce Development

Background:

• The 2017 National Research Summit on Dementia Care highlighted the need for improved dementia care services and supports.
• Workforce education and training emerged as a critical issue requiring focused attention.
• A dedicated Workforce Development Workgroup was established to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify existing gaps in the education and training of a dementia-capable workforce.
• To develop recommendations for advancing dementia workforce education and training.
• To support the goals of improving dementia care quality and scaling evidence-based services.

Main Methods:

• Convened an interprofessional workgroup with expertise in dementia workforce development.
• Included representatives from academia, professional organizations, and the federal government.
• Analyzed current educational and training practices to identify deficiencies.

Main Results:

• Identified significant gaps in the education and training of health professions students, faculty, practitioners, and direct care workers.
• Highlighted the need for training that encompasses persons living with dementia and their caregivers.
• Developed four key recommendations for research to advance dementia workforce capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Addressing identified gaps is crucial for building a dementia-capable workforce.
• Implementing the proposed research recommendations will enhance dementia care quality and service accessibility.
• A collaborative, interprofessional approach is essential for effective dementia workforce development.