Table 1.

Examples of CMOCs leading to recommendations

Recommendation	CMOCs
Getting members: Ensure a warm, welcoming, non-stigmatising introduction, with strong staff interpersonal skills and an appealing venue	CMOC 3: If facilitators are knowledgeable and empathetic, with good interpersonal skills (C), an initiative will be perceived as more welcoming and inclusive (O), as they will be better at understanding needs, engaging and building trust with potential members and their families (M).41–46 CMOC 4: If an initiative has an informal, unrushed and warm welcome on first visit (C), then people are more likely to want to return (O), as they are more likely to find the experience relaxing and enjoyable, not uncomfortable and intimidating (M).45 47–50 CMOC 5: If potential members have had poor previous experiences with groups or activities (dementia related or not) (C), they may not want to try another group or activity (O), because they think the experience will be similar and will want to avoid it (M).42 46 51 52 CMOC 6: If time is taken for personal contact, home visits or taster sessions with potential members (C), then people are more likely to come (O), as they will feel more familiar with the initiative and more trusting of those running it (M).41 43 52–55 CMOC 7: If an initiative is familiar and trusted, or local and well-integrated with other organisations in the community (C), then people are more likely to come (O), as its links to familiar things that they trust will make it less intimidating (M).42 46 47 53 56–61 CMOC 8: If an intervention is based in familiar surroundings in, and open to, the community (C), then people are more likely to come (O), because potential members will find the normalcy, lack of stigma and chance for social integration appealing (M).43 46 53 57 62–67 CMOC 9: If a venue is dementia-friendly, comfortable and accessible (C), people are more likely to come (O), as they will not have concerns about comfort or access (M).53 60 68 69
Keeping members: Keep activities relaxed, loose and focused on the social and encourage friendships and peer support	CMOC 47: If there is group cohesion and mutual trust between members (C), then a group is more likely to sustain (O), because members will feel more solidarity and investment in the group (M).70 CMOC 48: If friendships between members are encouraged, recognised and supported by staff and activities (C), then people are likely to keep coming (O), as they will feel more supported, comfortable and engaged, and able to support each other (M).48 59 71–73 CMOC 49: If an intervention is too focused on agendas, rules and expectations (C), then people may stop coming (O), because they feel pressured, restricted and unable to relax and enjoy the social and emotional benefits important to them (M).49 50 68 72 74–76 CMOC 50: If the pace of activity through the day/session is too fast and strict (C), then people may stop coming (O), because they will struggle to stay engaged and will not enjoy themselves (M).48 53 62 66 77 CMOC 51: If ample informal time is made for socialising, peer support and feedback (C), then members are more likely to keep coming (O), as they will be more likely to feel comfortable and supported (M).45 48 53 55 63 67 70 72 74–80 CMOC 52: If there is opportunity to have communal eating and relaxing in a ‘cosy’ environment (C), then members are more likely to keep coming (O), as this will provide comfort and foster group cohesion (M).45 70

CMOCs, context–mechanism–outcome configurations.