Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dementia represents a growing healthcare challenge in the United States. The Care Ecosystem, an effective collaborative care model, bridges medical and social care needs for individuals with dementia. The purpose of this study was to describe how the Care Ecosystem has been disseminated and the lessons learned from this experience. METHODS: Interested site leaders from both health systems and community-based organizations reviewed online implementation support materials and consulted with Care Ecosystem directors. Those that decided to move forward with implementation were invited to join monthly 'Implementation Meetings.' Observations of these meetings and review of minutes were combined with site surveys and interviews, which were analyzed using qualitative and descriptive methods. RESULTS: Implementation efforts resulted in the adoption of the Care Ecosystem at 28 health systems and eight community-based organizations, including 22 participants in Medicare's Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) payment model. The Implementation Meetings facilitated collaborative learning and adaptation and supported fidelity to core model elements. The Care Ecosystem's flexible approach and open-source materials enabled tailored implementations that align with local contexts and population needs. CONCLUSIONS: The Care Ecosystem exemplifies a scalable approach to dementia care, guided by implementation science principles to bridge the gap between research and real-world application. Its success in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs underscores its potential to enhance dementia care delivery on a broader scale. Future efforts should focus on refining implementation strategies, enhancing fidelity monitoring, and expanding partnerships to sustain and scale effective dementia care practices across diverse healthcare settings.