Development and implementation of a novel approach to scaling the Meeting Centre intervention for people living with dementia and their unpaid care workers in the community

Abstract

Abstract Background In the UK there is a post-diagnostic support gap experienced by people affected by dementia. Effective post-diagnostic support interventions, therefore, need to be replicated at scale to meet demand. Reporting an intervention is key to this process because it can support the translation of research into routine practice. Describing the intervention is a key area of reporting recommended when developing, implementing, and evaluating complex health interventions. The objective of this study was to systematically report a novel county-wide approach for scaling the Meeting Centre intervention for people living with dementia and their unpaid carers. Methods An adapted version of the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was used to describe the programme. Adaptations were made to consider items specific to complex social interventions and scaling programmes. Key programme stakeholders contributed to its development. Results The adapted TIDieR checklist was an effective way to systematically report essential reporting criteria for the complex scaling programme. Criteria included the components and sub-components, how these were adaptatively implemented, and the modifications made because of complexity. Discussion Key findings suggest essential features of the intervention may not be feasible at scale; highlight the critical role of the programme leader to drive culture and systems change; and emphasise the use of scaling science frameworks to determine optimal scale. Conclusions This research reported the programme’s development and implementation that can aid the process of translating evidence into routine practice. Further research and theory development should include testing implementation outcomes so that we can understand if the intervention is a scalable solution to the gap in the post-diagnostic support for people affected by dementia.