Facilitators and challenges in the implementation of the Care Ecosystem at six clinical sites in the United States: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION

Collaborative care models with care navigation bridge medical and social needs in dementia care. These models, including the Care Ecosystem (CE), are being implemented at health systems and community-based programs across the United States.

METHODS

Interdisciplinary team members from six early adopter CE programs were interviewed about the facilitators and challenges they faced implementing the CE. Interviews were analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

Implementation facilitators included the presence of a champion or visionary, a clinical team with expertise in dementia, easy access to CE care protocols and consultative support, and flexibility in being able to modify the program to meet site-specific needs. Challenges centered on program launch, personnel turnover, reaching people from historically marginalized communities or those facing structural barriers to care, and program sustainability.

DISCUSSION: This study provides practical information to guide successful implementation of effective dementia care from research to practice.

HIGHLIGHTS: Collaborative care models with care navigation bridge medical and social needs in dementia care. Implementation facilitators included a champion, an expert clinical team, and flexibility. Challenges included program launch, personnel turnover, and program sustainability. Findings can guide implementation of effective dementia care from research to practice.