Feasibility of remote Memory Clinics using the plan, do, study, act (PDSA) cycle

Collins, Jemima T., Mohamed, Biju and Bayer, Antony ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7514-248X 2021. Feasibility of remote Memory Clinics using the plan, do, study, act (PDSA) cycle. Age and Ageing 50 (6) , 2259–2263. 10.1093/ageing/afab173

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Abstract

Introduction A timely diagnosis of dementia is crucial for initiating and maintaining support for people living with dementia. The coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic temporarily halted Memory Clinics, where this is organised, and rate of dementia diagnosis has fallen. Despite increasing use of alternatives to face-to-face (F2F) consultations in other departments, it is unclear whether this is feasible within the traditional Memory Clinic model. Aims The main aim of this service improvement project performed during the pandemic was to explore feasibility of telephone (TC) and videoconference (VC) Memory Clinic consultations. Methods Consecutive patients on the Memory Clinic waiting list were telephoned and offered an initial appointment by VC or TC. Data extracted included: age, internet-enabled device ownership, reason for and choice of Memory Clinic assessment. We noted Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Blind (TC) and Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III (VC via Attend Anywhere) scores, and feasibility of consultation. Results Out of 100 patients, 12 had a home assessment, moved away, been hospitalised, or died. 45, 21 and 6 preferred F2F, VC and TC assessments respectively. 16 were not contactable and offered a F2F appointment. The main reason for preferring F2F was non-ownership, or inability to use an internet-enabled device (80%). VC and TC preference reasons were unwillingness to come to hospital (59%), and convenience (41%). Attendance rate was 100% for VC and TC, but 77% for F2F. Feasibility (successful consultations) was seen in 90% (VC) and 67% (TC) patients. Conclusion For able and willing patients, remote Memory Consultations can be both feasible and beneficial. This has implications for future planning in dementia services.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Medicine
Publisher:	British Geriatrics Society
ISSN:	0002-0729
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	3 December 2021
Date of Acceptance:	1 May 2021
Last Modified:	07 Nov 2023 08:28
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/145820

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