Identifying the Barriers and Facilitators to Clinical Implementation of Risk Prediction Tools for Dementia Across UK Primary Care: A Stakeholder Interview Study

BackgroundDementia is increasingly recognised as a condition that can be prevented or delayed through modifiable lifestyle risk factors. Despite promising research into dementia risk prediction algorithms based on these risk factors, existing tools are not being integrated into UK clinical practice and policy.MethodsThis UK wide study involved 15 semi-structured interviews with GPs, dementia specialists, and policy professionals. Interviews utilised a SWOT analysis to unpick the barriers and facilitators to implementing dementia risk predictions tools.FindingsFive main themes emerged: perceptions around risk score performance; clinician acceptability; fear of dementia; clinical impact; and system integration. Overall, there was clear support for implementation, with areas of cross over and differentiation between stakeholder groups' perspectives.ConclusionsA coordinated change programme is needed which: prioritises building confidence in tool performance, secures clinician buy-in, creates a more positive narrative, shifts the focus from individual responsibility, and aligns system priorities and readiness.