LAUSR

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The translation of reablement programs into practice is lagging despite strong evidence for interventions that maintain function for the person living with dementia as well as improve carer wellbeing. The aim was to evaluate the implementation of an evidence-based program, Care of People with Dementia in Their Environments (COPE) into health services. RESEARCH DESIGN An implementation-effectiveness hybrid design was used to evaluate implementation outcomes while simultaneously involving a pragmatic pre-post evaluation of outcomes for people with dementia. We report uptake, fidelity to intervention, outcomes for people living with dementia and carers, and beliefs and behaviours of interventionists contributing to successful implementation. RESULTS Seventeen organisations in Australia across three health contexts, 38 occupational therapists and 17 nurses participated in training and implementation. While there were challenges and delays in implementation, most organisations were able to offer the program and utilised different models of funding. Overall, we found there was moderate fidelity to components of the program. Pre-post outcomes for carer wellbeing and coping (Perceived Change Index, p<.001) and activity engagement of the person living with dementia (p=.002) were significantly increased, replicating previous trial results. What contributed most to therapists implementing the program (Determinants of Implementation Behaviour Questionnaire) was a stronger intent to deliver (p<.001), higher confidence (p<.001), a sense of control in delivery (p =.004), and a belief the program was very useful to their clients (p=.002). DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrated that implementation is possible in multiple health systems and beneficial to individuals and their families.