Transcript Slide 1

Challenging Dementia in Brent
Dr Etheldreda Kong
Panel: Improving early diagnosis
25th October 2013
Enhanced pathway for dementia patients
Its aim is to build on existing health services to improve the
quality of care and support that patients with dementia and
their carers receive. Specifically, the enhanced pathway will
provide:
• early diagnosis
• support and advice for carers of people with dementia in
the community
• services in the community following diagnosis to improve
the quality of life
Early diagnosis
By redesigning our Memory Service we will:
• reduce waiting times
• increase staff numbers
• provide care in the most appropriate setting (e.g. six month
follow-up in primary care)
• be ready for the forecast increase in referrals due to aging
population and national scheme to identify patients at risk
Forecast Referrals & Diagnosis in Brent
Referrals
GP register
2400
2352
2301
1819
1513
1207
2013
2014
2015
Early support and advice for carers of people
with dementia
Will be provided by:
• recruitment of four additional Primary Care Dementia
Nurses
• training GPs to increased their knowledge and awareness
• expansion of psychiatric liaison service to offer support in
hospital
• signposting to short breaks and respite
• peer support groups
Services in the community following diagnosis to
improve the quality of life
Will include:
•
creation of a Community Dementia Café, which will provide
a range of therapies and support programmes
•
introduction of a Performance Bond with GP Practices to
shift six month follow-up to primary care
•
support for patients (and their carers) to remain at home
and avoid admissions to hospitals, residential and nursing
homes
Summary
This enhanced care pathway will:
•
raise awareness and understanding of dementia across all
healthcare professionals
•
provide early diagnosis and support
•
improve the quality of life for patients with dementia and
their carers; and
•
reduce inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotic drugs