Design and implementation of the participatory German network for translational dementia care research (TaNDem) - A Qualitative Study on the Perspectives of Stakeholders and Healthcare Providers in Dementia Care Research.

Abstract

Currently, there is a lack of sustainable, translational structures in dementia care research that enable a nationally guided participatory interaction between research, care practice, and those affected by dementia. A close cooperation between research and care practice with a simultaneous inclusion of those affected by dementia is essential to translate scientific evidence into practice and address routine care needs in healthcare research. Within the project TaNDem we aim to close the gap between research and practice by establishing a translational dementia care research network with participatory elements. We interviewed healthcare providers to identify their expectations for the design and implementation of this network. We interviewed n = 87 stakeholders in healthcare practice and healthcare research within focus group interviews. We followed a structured interview guide including, questions about (i) the main objectives and areas of such network, (ii) the preferred way of coordination, collaboration, and interaction, (iii) and barriers and facilitators of implementation. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. Interviewees expressed the desire for an understandable translation of research results for practitioners, for a strengthening of networking, and for interaction between research and practice. Stakeholders would like to see evaluations of healthcare situations in specific geographic regions and the involvement of people affected by dementia in research. Furthermore, they preferred better communication between researchers and practitioners, support in identifying suitable cooperation partners, and a unified approach towards health policy. According to collaboration, regional and national meetings as well as communication channels could be implemented via online platforms, databases, or local advisory hubs. Obstacles mentioned include limitations in terms of staff, budget and time of stakeholders, as well as regional differences and duplicate structures. To successfully implement the TaNDem network, there should be local contact persons. Furthermore, the cooperation should be based on trust and jointly defined objectives that add value to the individual's work of each member of the research network. The results show that stakeholders in healthcare practice and healthcare research have similar expectations related to a participatory collaboration that provides an added value to all participants.