‘All in It Together’: Co-Production for Reviewing Dementia Services in the UK
Authors: Board, M., French, P., Austin, J., Pan, K.S., Persse, D., Weiss, R.
Publication Date: 01/01/2026
Pages: 19-33
DOI: 10.4324/9781003496267-2
Abstract:This chapter will explore the collaborative process behind the Dementia Services Review (DSR) in a county in the UK, emphasising the involvement of all key stakeholders, particularly people with dementia and their carers. The review was launched to address the growing demand for dementia services in a rapidly ageing population, including areas with some of the highest dementia rates in the UK. The DSR used a co-production approach, engaging over 333 stakeholders, including service users, carers, clinicians, and community representatives, to collectively identify challenges and co-create solutions for future dementia care pathways. Through a series of workshops, participants helped highlight essential service priorities, such as smoother diagnostic processes, improved NHS pathway integration, and enhanced support for carers. These insights shaped the development of three potential service models, with the chosen model requiring additional funding to expand capacity and improve post-diagnostic care. While the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays in implementation, the collaborative approach ensured that services aligned with national dementia guidelines and addressed real needs. This chapter will provide readers with a detailed understanding of how stakeholder engagement, especially from those directly impacted by dementia, plays a pivotal role in service design and improvement. Reflective exercises and key takeaways from this process will also offer valuable insights for those seeking to implement similar collaborative approaches in their own areas.
Source: Scopus
‘All in it together’ – co-production when reviewing dementia services in the UK
Authors: Board, M.
Editors: Joseph, S.
Publication Date: 02/08/2026
Publisher: Routledge
Source: Manual