Acceptance and self-reported use of a dementia care toolbox by general practice personal: results from an intervention study in German practices

BACKGROUND: Dementia is an age-related syndrome that is estimated to affect 46.8 million people worldwide (2015). In ageing populations, the prevalence of dementia is expected to increase. General practitioners (GPs) are often the first to be contacted when signs of dementia appear. This cluster-randomised trial (CRT) investigates the effects of a dementia care toolbox mailed to GP practices to facilitate dementia care. It contained patient brochures and posters for the waiting room in three languages, information cards for professionals and practical tools in three languages. The GPs’ and practice assistants’ (PrAs) use of and opinion about the toolbox is reported here. METHODS: Three months after receiving the toolbox, participating GPs and PrAs were sent a standardised, self-administered questionnaire asking about the use and helpfulness of the various toolbox items by mail. RESULTS: A total of 50 GPs and PrAs (14 GPs and 36 PrAs) from 15 practices completed the questionnaire. Of the participants, 82.0% reported using at least one of the tools, while 18.0% had used none. In descending order, the patient brochures (70.0%), the information card (58.0%) and the poster (40.0%) were used. In general, the brochures (52.1%), the information card (44.9%) as well as the poster (28.6%) were perceived as helpful. CONCLUSION: Overall, the dementia toolbox was widely accepted by both professional groups. Future research should investigate long-term effects of information strategies for GP practice settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00014632. Registered 02 August 2018. Clinical register of the study coordination office of the University hospital of Bonn. Registered 05 September 2017.