Tamara L. Turner^1,, Stephanie C. Christensen², Patrice Ayala³, Malathy Venkatesh⁴

This study explores the preparedness of Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Practitioners to effectively care for people living with dementia in Arizona. Eighteen mixed profession focus groups were conducted with a purposive sample of 74 practitioners. Demographic data were collected along with perceptions of their dementia training, dementia knowledge, and comfort with working with patients with dementia. A qualitative, open-ended discussion format was used to further explore practitioner perceptions of their preparedness for working with individuals with dementia. While most respondents reported feeling knowledgeable about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and comfortable working with affected patients, fewer demonstrated confidence in evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Most participants had not completed dementia-specific continuing education, and perceptions of entry-level training quality were variable, with more than half of the participants rating it as neutral or lower. Despite high levels of perceived general knowledge and comfort working with people living with dementia, interviews revealed knowledge gaps and challenges that impact the care provided. The qualitative analysis revealed four primary themes: (1) Therapeutic potential of patients with dementia is influenced by practitioner knowledge, patient characteristics, and carepartner support; (2) Practitioners require enhanced dementia-specific knowledge and communication strategies for best practice; (3) External factors, including setting specific challenges, reimbursement constraints, and carepartner/patient abilities, impact optimal care for patients with dementia; and (4) Practitioner Supports, including continuing education, carepartner resources, and interprofessional collaboration, are needed to improve care for patients with dementia. Findings highlight a critical need for enhanced educational preparation, ongoing professional development, and improved system-level supports for provision of effective care for people with dementia. Addressing these gaps through targeted training, improved caregiver resources, and strengthened interprofessional collaboration will better support practitioners and enhance therapeutic outcomes of patients with dementia. Advocacy efforts at the institutional, state, and national levels are needed to combat system-level barriers and allow for the provision of best practice in dementia care.

physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia