title: Evaluation of a Dementia Education Program for Family Medicine Residents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dementia diagnosis and management is increasing in importance in the training of future family physicians. This study evaluated the impact of a dementia education program for family medicine residents (FMR) on residents' knowledge, attitudes, and confidence with respect to dementia assessment and management. A three-part questionnaire was developed and validated for these purposes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A mixed methods study design was employed. The questionnaire's internal consistency and test-retest reliability was determined and content validity was assessed. Twelve FMR participated in questionnaire validation. Program participants completed the validated questionnaire at baseline, at interim, and following program completion. Twenty-seven FMR completed the questionnaire as part of the program evaluation. Willing residents also participated in program feedback interviews. Differences in questionnaire scores between program participants and the comparison group were examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Each questionnaire component demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α: 0.83-0.91) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.74-0.91). Program participants (n = 15) scored significantly higher than the comparison group (n = 12) on the knowledge component and also reported greater confidence in several areas. Qualitative data indicated that residents felt the program focused on important topic areas and appreciated the opportunity to work in an interprofessional team.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Evaluation results indicate that the program improved FMRs' knowledge on dementia assessment and management, as well as increased the residents' confidence levels.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON;
authors.forename: Jeanette C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Prorok
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON;
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stolee
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON; ; Department of Sociology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON;
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cooke
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON;
authors.forename: Carrie A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: McAiney
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: dementia; family medicine; medical education; mixed methods; primary care