Edinburgh Napier University

  The policy framework for allied health professionals (AHP) working in Scotland recognises that education is key to the transformational changes required to enhance brain health, including rehabilitation outcomes with people living with dementia. This is because people living with dementia are often wrongly categorised as having no ‘rehabilitation potential’ and can be prevented from accessing such services. In addition, recent Scottish Government policy acknowledges the need to diversify and build the capacity of AHPs to lead dementia models of care. This includes, amongst others, professions such as dieticians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists.

Set within this context and influenced by an ambition to alter attitudes and knowledge towards the right to AHP rehabilitation for people living with dementia, an innovative continuing professional development (CPD) programme was created in 2022. This two-day, non-credit bearing course was delivered in partnership between Edinburgh Napier University, Alzheimer Scotland, the Scottish Dementia Working Group (SDWG) and the National Dementia Carers Action Network (NDCAN).

The purpose of the CPD course was to advance AHP participant’s knowledge and understanding of the lived experience of dementia, including caregivers and/or supporters, to grow and empower a partnership approach to practice. In addition, to widen AHP appreciation of the potential rehabilitation approaches available when working with people living with dementia.

This presentation will therefore share the value, importance and lessons learned from the first delivery of this inventive educational opportunity for AHPs. Examples will be offered of how the programme aims to encourage the growth of skilled knowledge and understanding of evidence informed AHP dementia practice. In tandem, widening access and opportunity for AHPs to strengthen both their expertise and confidence to deliver rehabilitation that can promote person-centred outcomes of value, collaboratively, and in partnership with people living with dementia.