title: Translating knowledge into practice: An exploratory study of dementia-specific training for community-based service providers.
abstract: Objective To develop, deliver, and evaluate dementia-specific training designed to inform service delivery by enhancing the knowledge of community-based service providers. Methods This exploratory qualitative study used an interdisciplinary, interuniversity team approach to develop and deliver dementia-specific training. Participants included management, care staff, and clients from three organizations funded to provide services in the community. Data on the acceptability, applicability, and perceived outcomes of the training were gathered through focus group discussions and individual interviews. Transcripts were analyzed to generate open codes which were clustered into themes and sub-themes addressing the content, delivery, and value of the training. Findings Staff valued up-to-date knowledge and "real stories" grounded in practice. Clients welcomed the strengths-based approach. Contractual obligations impact on the application of knowledge in practice. Implications The capacity to implement new knowledge may be limited by the legislative policies which frame service provision, to the detriment of service users.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences, AUT University, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Grace
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: O'Sullivan
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences, AUT University, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hocking
authors.affiliation: Chief Executive Health Research Council of New Zealand, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McPherson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013192:Staff Development / Q000458:organization & administration*
keywords: caregivers; education; health policy; health services; legislation