Dementia-related primary care training needs: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Primary Care Medicine
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Primary care is recommended for managing dementia and supporting care partners.
• Primary care teams often lack sufficient knowledge and confidence in dementia care.
• Existing dementia training programs for primary care are inadequate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify specific dementia care training needs within primary care settings.
• To integrate perspectives from primary care professionals, people with dementia, and their care partners.
• To inform the development of targeted educational interventions.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research approach utilizing focus groups and individual interviews.
• Conducted 3 focus groups with primary care professionals.
• Performed 12 individual interviews with people living with dementia and their care partners.
• Employed direct qualitative analysis on 15 transcribed interviews.

Main Results:

• Primary care professionals require more education on dementia diagnosis, symptom management, and communication skills.
• Patients and care partners emphasized the need for improved diagnostic disclosure and continuity of care.
• A significant demand exists for enhanced post-diagnosis support and information beyond standard dementia education.

Conclusions:

• Primary care professionals acknowledge the necessity for continuous dementia-related education.
• Dementia patients and care partners seek improved communication and support structures within primary care.
• This study highlights a critical gap in dementia training for primary care, necessitating curriculum expansion and improved support systems.