%0 Journal Article
%T Strengthening Primary Care Workforce Capacity in Dementia Diagnosis and Care: A Qualitative Study of Project Alzheimer's Disease-ECHO.
%A Sideman AB
%A Hernandez de Jesus A
%A Alagappan C
%A Ma M
%A Koenig CJ
%A Alving LI
%A Segal-Gidan F
%A Goldberger R
%A Sohmer D
%A Rosen H
%J Med Care Res Rev
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 May 31
%M 38819958
%F 2.971
%R 10.1177/10775587241251868
%X Primary care practitioners (PCPs) are the first point of contact for most patients with suspected dementia and have identified a need for more training and support around dementia diagnosis and care. This qualitative study examined the Alzheimer's Disease-Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (AD-ECHO) program. AD-ECHO was designed to strengthen PCP capacity in dementia through bimonthly virtual meetings with a team of dementia experts. We conducted 24 hr of direct observations at AD-ECHO sessions and interviewed 14 participants about their experiences participating. Using thematic analysis, we found that participants valued the supportive learning environment and resources; knowledge gained empowered them to take more action around dementia; they identified ways of disseminating knowledge gained into their practice settings, and many desired ongoing AD-ECHO engagement. However, most identified time as a barrier to participation. AD-ECHO has the potential to strengthen the primary care workforce's knowledge and confidence around dementia care.