Study published: Barriers and facilitators when implementing psychological support for people with dementia and depression
In an article recently published in BMC Geriatrics, the authors present results from the INVOLVERA project, where the researchers have identified potential barriers and facilitators for future implementation of a psychological intervention for people with dementia and depression. Identified barriers to implementation included workforce shortages, while facilitators involved the intervention's potential to address a treatment gap in Sweden.
(Image removed)
Behavioral activation for poeple with dementia and depression
Many people living with dementia experience low mood or depression. Despite this, access to evidence-based psychological support for people with dementia and depression is low. One potential solution to increase access is via the provision of low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy, with one example being behavioral activation. The INVOLVERA project aims to develop, adapt and test a behavioral activation intervention for people with dementia and depression, to increase their mood, well-being and quality of life.
Perspectives of healthcare professionals and community stakeholders
This study specifically aimed to identify potential barriers and facilitators for future implementation of the intervention into practice from the perspectives of healthcare professionals and community stakeholders. Identified barriers to implementation included: (1) lack of appropriate workforce to provide guidance; (2) lack of time and financial resources; and (3) people with dementia not recognizing their diagnosis of dementia and/or a need for support. Identified facilitators to implementation included: (1) intervention has potential to fill a large psychological treatment gap in Sweden; (2) objectives and potential benefits understood and agreed by most stakeholders; and (3) some healthcare professionals recognized their potential role in providing intervention guidance.
Can aid in successful implementation
Results will help us to further adapt the intervention to enhance the likelihood of future successful implementation into Swedish healthcare. PhD Student Frida Svedin is lead author of the paper and assistant senior lecturer Joanne Woodford is the principal investigator for the project which was funded by the Swedish Research Council.
Read the article ‘Healthcare and community stakeholders’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators to implementing a behavioral activation intervention for people with dementia and depression: a qualitative study using Normalization Process Theory’. It is written by Frida Svedin, Oscar Blomberg, Anders Brantnell, Paul Farrand, Anna Cristina Åberg, and Joanne Woodford.