Field, B. orcid.org/0000-0003-3502-2691, Coates, E. and Mountain, G. (2021) What influences uptake of psychosocial interventions by people living with early dementia? A qualitative study. Dementia, 20 (8). pp. 2668-2688. ISSN 1471-3012
Abstract
Background
Health policy promotes post-diagnostic support for people affected by dementia. Evidence suggests psychosocial interventions can effectively support people living with dementia after diagnosis. Yet, what influences uptake of psychosocial interventions by people with early dementia is poorly understood. This research aimed to identify influences on uptake of psychosocial interventions by people with early dementia.
Methods
Sixteen face-to-face semi-structured interviews with people with early dementia, either alone or with a family member(s), were completed. Twelve staff participated in semi-structured interviews or a focus group. Thematic analysis and triangulation enabled identification of overall themes across different participant groups and interview types.
Main Findings
Four overarching themes influencing uptake were identified: (1) adjusting to a diagnosis, (2) appeal of activities and perception of benefit, (3) service and societal context, and (4) relationships and communication. Individual responses to diagnosis, experiences of dementia and dementia services influenced uptake. Group interventions were discussed the most by all participants. Group interventions offering social contact, peer support, information, enjoyable activities and mental stimulation were valued. However, group interventions specifically aimed at people with dementia did not appeal to all. Ability to travel and convenience of locations were important. Continuing with community activities not focused on dementia was valued. Stigma around dementia appeared to discourage uptake. Emotional and practical support from family was key to facilitating uptake as were the relationships between people with dementia and staff.
Conclusion
A complex interplay of individual, service and societal influences affect uptake of psychosocial interventions by people with early dementia. How interventions and which services can enable people with early dementia remain engaged in their everyday lives needs consideration. Further research examining uptake of specific interventions commonly offered to people living with early dementia is needed. Involving people with early dementia in designing interventions aiming to support them is paramount.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2021 The Author(s). This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage). |
Keywords: | dementia; psychosocial interventions; non-pharmacological interventions; early dementia; post-diagnostic support; uptake |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > School of Health and Related Research (Sheffield) > ScHARR - Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 11 May 2021 06:57 |
Last Modified: | 22 Feb 2022 01:24 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | SAGE Publications |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1177/14713012211007397 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:173936 |