Lessons learned from a dementia training programme for health professionals: Implications for future training provision

This paper presents findings from a dementia awareness training programme delivered to a multidisciplinary group of health professionals in the East Midlands, UK in 2012. The training aimed to develop dementia champions and improve care practices. The focus was on the socio-psychological model of dementia. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with stakeholders (n=5) and training providers (n=2). Post-training questionnaires were completed by those attending the training (n=74). Thematic analysis was undertaken on interview data and open-ended questionnaire data, descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken on quantitative data. Emerging themes focused on the continued need for person-centred care in dementia training and inclusion of the voice of the person with dementia in training material. Attendance of multidisciplinary health professionals at training sessions generated greater understanding of dementia care across professional areas. Issues of health professionals' workloads and release of staff time were identified as key determinants of staff capacity to attend training. Gaps in training provision were identified. Adapted from the source document.