Abstract Background Dementia care involves a critical transition from diagnosis to post-diagnostic support, often marked by insufficient integration of these phases. This gap can result in unmet information needs and perceived discontinuity in care. Despite various efforts to bridge this divide, significant challenges persist. Aim This study aims to explore how healthcare providers perceive and manage this transition from the diagnostic trajectory to post-diagnostic support and to identify strategies that could improve the integration of dementia diagnosis and support. Methods A convergent parallel mixed methods design is used, utilizing survey data (N=232) and interview data (N=53) from healthcare providers in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Poland. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Kruskall-Wallis tests, and qualitative data was analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis. Results were integrated by linking relevant quantitative descriptive results to corresponding qualitative themes. Results Quantitative results highlighted that 43.8% of the healthcare providers were dissatisfied with the transition from the diagnostic process to postdiagnostic support. Healthcare providers who held positive views on the connection between diagnosis and support were significantly more satisfied with the availability of post-diagnostic support services and more aware of information resources for people with dementia. Qualitative results identified the following themes: ‘determining a diagnosis is not easy’, ‘the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration’, ‘barriers to (accessing) support’ and ‘information and communication as a tool to help patients move forward’. Conclusion To facilitate the transition between the diagnostic trajectory and post-diagnostic support of people with dementia, it is important to focus on improving access to healthcare systems, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring healthcare providers’ awareness of informational resources. | 48
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTk4NDMw