Spreading the word: enablers and challenges to implementing a nature-based intervention for people living with dementia

Bray, Jennifer ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1315-7643, Evans, Simon ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2919-8167 and Atkinson, Teresa ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2020-7239 (2022) Spreading the word: enablers and challenges to implementing a nature-based intervention for people living with dementia. Working with Older People, 26 (3). pp. 216-225. ISSN Print: 1366-3666 Online: 2042-8790

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Abstract

When new interventions are piloted the implementation process often takes a back seat but can be key to ensuring that an intervention is successful. This article highlights the enablers and challenges encountered when implementing a nature-based intervention for people living with dementia.
The evaluation adopted a mixed methods approach including case studies, telephone interviews with delegates, and interviews with participants. Thematic analysis was employed to identify overarching themes relating to the enablers and challenges of implementing the intervention.
Challenges related to understanding how the intervention fitted with existing work and practicalities of what an organisation can offer to support the implementation process. A stable underlying support structure for delegates is required, along with suitable advertising, transport and facilities to support participants. While there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to implementing an intervention, these findings will help organisations to consider where to focus their support.
The implementation of interventions is often poorly understood, but is important when supporting the wider roll out of an intervention. While this article reports on a nature-based intervention, the learning will be relevant and applicable more broadly for organisations aiming to implement a new intervention and complements previous work relating to the challenges of implementing arts activities.

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