Process evaluation of a multicomponent rehabilitation program for people with dementia and their care partners
1
Centre for Ageing Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
2
Department of Nursing, School of Health and Clinical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
3
Brightwater Research Centre, Perth, Australia
4
Canberra Health Services, Canberra, Australia
5
School of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
6
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Early interventions using strengths-based approaches improve quality of life for people with dementia and care partners (1). A group-based, multicomponent rehabilitation program in Australia engages people with dementia and care partners to optimise independence and quality of life. The 12-week Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care, and Engagement (SPICE) program was delivered by a multidisciplinary team in collaboration with a university research group (2-4). This study reports the process evaluation of the first 30-months of SPICE service delivery (2022–2024).
METHODS:
Fourteen SPICE groups involved up to seven people with dementia (mean age 78.2±6.5 years; 44% female) and seven care partners (mean age 71.6±10.8 years; 68% female). Using Medical Research Council guidance, a mixed-methods evaluation examined implementation processes, context, and impact mechanisms (5). Descriptive statistics from population and service data estimated program reach, attendance, and dose. Semi-structured interviews and surveys explored program acceptability among participants (n=182), and reflections from health service and university staff (n=18) regarding fidelity, context, and impact mechanisms.
RESULTS:
Consistently high attendance (90+%) was observed for both people with dementia and care partners, with a mean intevention dose of 67hours per person. Participants valued the meaningful activities, support, and social connections experienced during the 12-week program. Health service and university staff reported recruitment of the intended audience, intervention fidelity, as well as enjoyment and validity in their roles. Perceived impact mechanisms included the quality of the SPICE program, the multidisciplinary team, and therapeutic relationships shared amongst participants and staff. Implementation challenges were proportionate to a complex intervention including funding sustainability, scheduling complexity, communication, and health service resourcing.
CONCLUSIONS:
The SPICE program is a highly regarded, feasible and meaningful intervention for people with dementia and care partners in Australia. Ongoing research seeks to identify optimal delivery models for the SPICE program and enhanced accessibility to dementia rehabilitation.
Early interventions using strengths-based approaches improve quality of life for people with dementia and care partners (1). A group-based, multicomponent rehabilitation program in Australia engages people with dementia and care partners to optimise independence and quality of life. The 12-week Sustainable Personalised Interventions for Cognition, Care, and Engagement (SPICE) program was delivered by a multidisciplinary team in collaboration with a university research group (2-4). This study reports the process evaluation of the first 30-months of SPICE service delivery (2022–2024).
METHODS:
Fourteen SPICE groups involved up to seven people with dementia (mean age 78.2±6.5 years; 44% female) and seven care partners (mean age 71.6±10.8 years; 68% female). Using Medical Research Council guidance, a mixed-methods evaluation examined implementation processes, context, and impact mechanisms (5). Descriptive statistics from population and service data estimated program reach, attendance, and dose. Semi-structured interviews and surveys explored program acceptability among participants (n=182), and reflections from health service and university staff (n=18) regarding fidelity, context, and impact mechanisms.
RESULTS:
Consistently high attendance (90+%) was observed for both people with dementia and care partners, with a mean intevention dose of 67hours per person. Participants valued the meaningful activities, support, and social connections experienced during the 12-week program. Health service and university staff reported recruitment of the intended audience, intervention fidelity, as well as enjoyment and validity in their roles. Perceived impact mechanisms included the quality of the SPICE program, the multidisciplinary team, and therapeutic relationships shared amongst participants and staff. Implementation challenges were proportionate to a complex intervention including funding sustainability, scheduling complexity, communication, and health service resourcing.
CONCLUSIONS:
The SPICE program is a highly regarded, feasible and meaningful intervention for people with dementia and care partners in Australia. Ongoing research seeks to identify optimal delivery models for the SPICE program and enhanced accessibility to dementia rehabilitation.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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