Care Integration in Primary Dementia Care Networks: A Longitudinal Mixed-Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Healthcare Management
• Interprofessional Collaboration

Background:

• Poor care integration for community-dwelling persons with dementia necessitates improved strategies.
• The DementiaNet program focuses on interprofessional collaboration to enhance dementia care.
• Limited knowledge exists on effectively facilitating integrated dementia care development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the maturation of care integration in interprofessional primary dementia care networks.
• To identify factors influencing the successful maturation of these networks.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal mixed-methods study involving 17 primary care networks.
• Semi-structured interviews based on the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care were conducted over 24 months.
• Network maturity was scored, and qualitative data explained observed patterns.

Main Results:

• Network maturity increased annually by 0.29 points.
• Networks comprised an average of 9 professionals across medical, care, and social disciplines.
• Success factors included mutual understanding of expertise, capable leadership, stable network composition, and general practitioner participation.

Conclusions:

• The DementiaNet approach facilitates the development of more mature interprofessional dementia care networks.
• Identified success factors offer guidance for future integrated dementia care strategies.