Assessing the Educational Needs of Wisconsin Primary Care Clinicians Caring for Persons Living With Dementia

Nearly 90% of persons living with dementia experience behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Primary care clinicians may require more training to address these symptoms.

We surveyed Wisconsin primary care clinicians to assess their current approaches, needs, and interest in future educational interventions related to managing BPSD.

Over 60% of clinicians reported lack of ability or training in managing BPSD, while over 75% expressed interest in educational interventions that included discussion of treatment algorithms or virtual didactics.

Given the apparent widespread demand and need for educational interventions on BPSD for primary care clinicians, future studies are needed to assess the efficacy of such interventions in improving clinicians' preparedness to care for patients with BPSD.