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Background: Prior to implementing new programmes or practices, it is essential to understand the context, barriers and enablers to support successful use. The tailored activity programme (TAP) is an evidence‐based intervention provided by occupational therapists to support community‐dwelling people living with dementia and their carers. The programme was developed in the United States, and although it is not currently available for routine use in Australia, its implementation would address the needs of many Australians with dementia and their carers. Aim: The aim of the study is to understand the perspectives of occupational therapists and their managers regarding barriers and enablers to the delivery and implementation of the TAP in Queensland, Australia. Methods: A qualitative descriptive methodology was employed. Semistructured interviews were undertaken with occupational therapists (n = 18) who work with community‐dwelling people with dementia and their carers, and their managers (n = 10). Participants were recruited from a range of organisations across Queensland, and they were asked about potential barriers and enablers to implementing TAP. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were mapped using framework analysis whilst remaining open to other themes. Findings: Themes were identified, and facilitating factors included the close alignment of TAP with occupational therapists' scope of practice; their acceptance of, and optimism about the programme and its perceived benefits including improved client outcomes; and an opportunity for occupational therapists to further develop their skills. Managerial support and carers' readiness and willingness to participate were also identified as important factors for success, whereas barriers were cost to clients and the capacity of the occupational therapy workforce to provide TAP. Conclusion: Occupational therapists and their managers expressed enthusiasm for TAP and awareness of its likely benefits, while also identifying barriers that will need to be addressed if implementation of the programme is to be successful in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Falls are an important issue in primary care. General practitioners (GPs) are in a key position to identify older people at risk of falls on their caseload and put preventative plans into action. Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans allow GPs to refer to allied health practitioners (AHPs) for evidence‐based falls interventions. A previous pilot study reduced falls risk factors using CDM pans with older people at risk of falls. This study aimed to conduct a process evaluation of how the intervention worked in the pilot study for providers and consumers. Methods: This process evaluation used qualitative descriptive methods by interviewing the GPs, AHPs and older people involved in the intervention study. An independent researcher conducted interviews. These were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Data were also collected about the implementation of the programme. Results: Two GPs, three occupational therapists, three physiotherapists and eight older people were interviewed. Key themes emerged from the perspectives of providers and consumers. The programme was implemented as intended, adherence to the exercise diaries was variable and the falls calendars were fully completed for three months of follow‐up. The programme was implemented as intended. Conclusion: The pilot CDM falls prevention programme did not identify common barriers attributed to GPs. Older people were amenable to the programme and participated freely. Private AHPs needed to make the CDM items work for their business model. This approach can be rolled out in a larger study and integrated pathways are needed to identify and intervene with older people at risk of falls in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Increased age and cognitive decline have been linked to difficulties with activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Cognitive decline can often be signalled by complaints about one's cognition, such as memory. With older Australians living longer, there is an increasing proportion of the population at risk of declined performance in daily tasks. The aim of this study was to identify if subjective memory complaints in later life among older women predict changes in independence in performing ADL and IADL. Methods: Data were from 3721 women born 1921–1926, who completed Surveys 4–6 of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Memory complaints and difficulties on ADL were measured at each survey, using the Memory Complaint Questionnaire and 16 questions regarding specific ADL. Latent growth modelling examined correlations between initial scores on each measure, changes in measures, and the association between memory complaints and changes in ADL and IADL. Results: There was a significant association between baseline scores for subjective memory difficulty and baseline ADL and IADL scores. Initial memory difficulty was also associated with increase in ADL and IADL difficulty. Conclusions: Subjective memory complaints may be a risk factor for decline in performance on ADL. Attention to these concerns may be important in identifying functional decline in older age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]