Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Primary care providers (PCPs) are the frontline of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) care in the U.S.
• African American dementia dyads seek PCPs experienced in providing quality care to this population.
• Distrust in healthcare exists among African American dementia dyads, yet facilitators for healthcare decision-making may be present.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore facilitators of healthcare decision-making for African American dementia dyads.
• To understand the perspectives of PCPs and care team members on providing ADRD care to African Americans.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing semi-structured teleconference interviews.
• Purposive sample of 20 primary care providers and care team members.
• Data analyzed using qualitative directed content analysis guided by the Black Family Social-Ecological Model.

Main Results:

• Three overarching themes identified: systemic healthcare assets, relational healthcare assets, and individual provider/care team assets.
• Ten categories emerged, including dementia-specific and culturally specific care, communication approaches, recognition of health disparities, and provider self-work.
• Subcategories detailed communication strategies and the influence of provider background and roles.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare systems, providers, and care team members play a vital role in delivering quality ADRD care to African American dyads.
• Interventions should address multiple ecological levels to effectively meet the healthcare needs of African American individuals with ADRD.
• Recognizing and leveraging systemic, relational, and individual assets can improve care for this population.