The ongoing dissemination of the World Health Organization’s toolkits for dementia care in Australiaand Greater China reached a significant milestone with the fourth and final iSupport Community of Practice (CoP) event on 30 August 2024. This pivotal event brought together a diverse group of participants, including trainers, researchers, facilitators, clinicians, service providers, and front-line staff from community and residential aged care sectors. Their collective contributions have advanced the integration of dementia care resources into everyday practices across both regions.
The iSupport Community of Practice was established to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and peer support among trainers, facilitators, and other stakeholders in Australia and Greater China. Its ultimate goal is to embed these toolkits into routine care services, improving the health, well-being, and quality of life for people with dementia and their caregivers.
The first three iSupport CoP webinars laid the groundwork for the final event by focusing on key themes such as recruiting facilitators and institutions, developing training plans, and overcoming implementation challenges. The initial webinar, held on 19 April 2024, and hosted by Professor Lily Xiao from the Caring Futures Institute at Flinders University, highlighted the application of implementation science in improving dementia care practices. The second
webinar, conducted on 17 May 2024 and hosted by institutions in China, emphasised practical research and experiences in adapting the toolkits to care settings in Shanghai, Changsha, and Chengdu. The third webinar, on 21 June 2024, brought together Beijing Medical University and key institutions in Hong Kong and Macau to discuss integrating the program into clinical and public health services.
The fourth event stood out for its broad participation and the rich, practice-oriented discussions that unfolded. Chaired by Professor Lily Xiao, the event focused on the challenges faced during implementation and the solutions devised to overcome them.
This final event underscored the strength of the iSupport Community of Practice in fostering collaboration across regions and sectors. The inclusion of clinicians, service providers, and front-line staff brought new perspectives and practical solutions, enhancing the program’s relevance. Through these shared experiences, the initiative has been instrumental in embedding dementia care strategies into everyday practices, leading to better outcomes for people with dementia and their caregivers in Australia and Greater China.
As the series of CoP events concludes, it paves the way for ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange as these dementia care toolkits continue to grow and evolve in both regions.
