Take up of psychosocial interventions for early stage dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study to explore how people with early stage dementia respond to offers of psychosocial interventions and whether a readiness to engage in psychosocial interventions can be identified.
IRAS ID
227380
Contact name
Becky Field
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sheffield
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 3 months, 26 days
Research summary
Aim: To explore how people with early stage dementia respond to offers of NHS provided psychosocial interventions.
Why this is important: UK health policy now recommends post diagnostic support alongside a continued drive for early and timely diagnosis. Psychosocial interventions (i.e. non medical/pharmacological interventions aiming to help people with dementia live well) are also recommended for people living with dementia in the community, after diagnosis. The evidence base for psychosocial interventions that can support people with dementia to live well after diagnosis is growing. For example, there is some evidence that interventions aiming to improve cognitive function, performance of daily living activities, quality of life and/or reduce carer burden may benefit people with dementia and their family carers.
However the provision of such psychosocial intervention in the NHS, to people with early stage dementia is still developing. What helps people living with dementia, and their family carers take up such interventions is poorly understood, little research about this topic exists.
Therefore, this study aims to enhance understanding about the kind of support or intervention people with early stage dementia may want after diagnosis, and what may help them feel ready to take up and engage in psychosocial interventions. Increased understanding in this area may help development and targeting of such interventions offered to people with early stage dementia living in the community.
Methods: As part of a qualitative PhD research study, face-to-face semi-structured interviews will be conducted with people with early stage dementia (diagnosed within the last two years), and their family carers, if the person with dementia wishes to be interviewed with them. NHS staff working with people with dementia will also be interviewed. Methods to support people with dementia to express their views and experiences will be used during this research.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0414
Date of REC Opinion
5 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion