To demonstrate the application of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and behaviour change theory to identify behaviour change techniques for a complex intervention targeting dementia care by general practice nurses (GPNs).

GPNs have an important role in dementia care but require support to translate evidence-based recommendations into routine practice. Theory-informed implementation strategies may help facilitate this change.

The target behaviour was derived from a Delphi study identifying national dementia care recommendations relevant to GPNs. Barriers to operationalizing the target behaviour were identified from previous research and then coded independently by two authors using the TDF. Identified domains were then mapped to behaviour change techniques using the Theory and Techniques Tool.

The specified behaviour was: ‘the general practice nurse will use language that is accurate, respectful, inclusive, empowering and non-stigmatizing when communicating with people living with dementia within each patient encounter in general practice’. Seven TDF domains were identified, including ‘knowledge’, ‘skills’ and ‘social influences’, mapping to 22 behaviour change techniques, including ‘instruction on how to perform the behaviour’ and ‘social support’. This theory-informed approach identifies practical techniques for developing interventions to improve GPN communication with people living with dementia and provides a method that could be applied to other dementia care behaviours in general practice.