Challenging Dementia in BrentDr Etheldreda KongPanel: 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

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