What works (and doesn’t) in post-diagnostic dementia support? Lessons from a national evaluation in Scotland
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Parallel 4
18 November, 2026 12:00 – 1:10 pmBeyond the Diagnosis – Building Networks, Connection and Inclusive Support
Sophie Elliott is a Director and Head of Health and Wellbeing Research and Evaluation at IFF Research. She led this evaluation of post-diagnostic support for the Scottish Government and has extensive experience using theory-based evaluation approaches to understand implementation, effectiveness and impact. Her other recent work around dementia includes research to inform the Care Quality Commission’s dementia strategy, a study of adult social care training for Alzheimer’s Society, and an evaluation of hospital discharge support for people living with dementia (also for Alzheimer’s Society).
Summary
The Scottish Government has a commitment that everyone newly diagnosed with dementia will receive at least 12 months of post-diagnostic support (PDS). This presentation shares findings from an independent evaluation of how that commitment is working in practice. Drawing on the experiences of people living with dementia, unpaid carers, and health and care staff, it highlights practical lessons for improving access, reducing delays, and delivering more equitable, person-centred PDS. The presentation will also invite participants to reflect on how these findings resonate in their own settings and what action is needed to close the gap between policy ambition and delivery.