Forward with dementia: process evaluation of an Australian campaign to improve post‐diagnostic support
Lee‐Fay Low, Lyn Phillipson, Meredith D Gresham, Yun‐Hee Jeon, Danika Hall, Amy Tan, Nora Wong, Henry Brodaty- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Neurology (clinical)
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Health Policy
- Epidemiology
Abstract
Background
Post‐diagnostic support for dementia is lacking in Australia and internationally. Across five countries, we co‐designed and delivered Forward with Dementia, a campaign to improve the communication of diagnosis and provision of post‐diagnostic support. This is a process evaluation of the Australia campaign which included social media, online advertising, webinars, a website hosting downloadable materials, newsletters and promotion through partner organisations. The campaign ran between September 2021 and June 2023 with a budget of AUD$50,000 and staff time.
Method
The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE‐AIM) Framework with the addition of Appropriateness structured the evaluation. Data collected included a campaign activity log, surveys of health and social care professionals immediately after webinars (n = 81) and 3‐6 months afterwards (n = 45), interviews with eight health and social care professionals and six key stakeholders, and surveys and interviews with people with dementia (n = 24) and carers (n = 47).
Result
Reach: 28,460 interactions with campaign activities including engagement through the website, webinars, and social media. Appropriateness: Campaign activities and resources were described to have appropriate content, a hopeful friendly tone, user‐friendly, and trustworthy and be authoritative. >75% of professionals reported webinars were helpful to their work. Adoption: 95% of professionals planned on using the information from webinars, and 93% intended to share the website with patients. Professionals provided examples of how they had changed practice – for instance being more positive, writing a care plan, making referrals, and sharing Forward with Dementia resources. Effectiveness: Professionals described being more confident in managing dementia. Some people with dementia and carers gave examples of how the campaign decreased self‐stigma, increased carer confidence, and led to actions which increased wellbeing. Maintenance: The majority of professionals had made ongoing changes to their post‐diagnostic support practices, some organisations were routinely using Forward with Dementia resources, which are also included in Department of Health and Dementia Australia websites.
Conclusion
This relative short and economical campaign had broad reach and appropriate materials that produced sustained changes to post‐diagnostic support provided by health and social care professionals and organisations. Qualitative data suggests improved outcomes for people with dementia and carers.