Spreading the word: enablers and challenges to implementing a nature-based intervention for people living with dementia

Abstract

Purpose When new interventions are piloted, the implementation process often takes a back seat but can be key to ensuring that an intervention is successful. This paper aims to highlight the enablers and challenges encountered when implementing a nature-based intervention for people living with dementia. Design/methodology/approach The evaluation adopted a mixed methods approach including case studies, telephone interviews with delegates and interviews with participants. Thematic analysis was used to identify overarching themes relating to the enablers and challenges of implementing the intervention. Findings Challenges related to understanding how the intervention fitted with existing work and practicalities of what an organisation can offer to support the implementation process. A stable underlying support structure for delegates is required, along with suitable advertising, transport and facilities to support participants. While there is no “one size fits all” approach to implementing an intervention, these findings will help organisations to consider where to focus their support. Originality/value The implementation of interventions is often poorly understood but is important when supporting the wider roll out of an intervention. While this paper reports on a nature-based intervention, the learning will be relevant and applicable more broadly for organisations aiming to implement a new intervention and complements previous work relating to the challenges of implementing arts activities.

Steps to implementation: Understanding barriers and enablers for implementing Arts on Prescription at Home for people impacted by dementia

“…Appropriately understanding and planning for the implementation process is a vital step in ensuring broader access and sustainable roll-out of programs such as AoP@Home for people living with dementia. 22,23 This study forms an important preliminary step in a broader implementation study aimed at implementing and evaluating AoP@Home for people with dementia within an existing community aged care service. The current study aims to explore contextual barriers and enablers to implementation of AoP@Home within a community aged care setting, informed by the CFIR, with potential to contribute knowledge on implementing psychosocial interventions within aged care more broadly.…”

“…However, internationally, knowledge on implementation of arts interventions in dementia remains in its infancy, 21 and in Australia, a significant knowledge gap remains around implementing community‐based participatory arts programs such as AoP@Home. Appropriately understanding and planning for the implementation process is a vital step in ensuring broader access and sustainable roll‐out of programs such as AoP@Home for people living with dementia 22,23 …”