Transcript Tracer insights on the referral pathway and quality of care Wendy

By Wendy Rhodes
Dementia Tracer
October 2016
Today we are going to talk about…
• Prevalence of dementia
• Overview of dementia tracer
methodology
• Findings
• Discussion points
Dementia Prevalence Rates
Tracer Methodology
• Evaluation methodology
• Suited to complexity
• Small sample
The Tracer Involved…

Review File and records

Interviews

Evaluation of environment
The Sample
• 10 individuals
• Early onset
• Disability type
• Presenting factors
Dementia Care
Quality service has five critical factors:
1. Early assessment and diagnosis
2. Clinical supports
3. Environmental modifications
4. Staff education/stage adapted
5. Flexible long term supports
What we found
Early assessment/ diagnosis - Timeliness and clarity as to who is
responsible
Clinical Supports - GP support and local pharmacist was very positive.
Inconsistency of access to community based specialist team/practitioners.
Environmental - Dementia design checklist. Vocational/day services.
Vehicles.
Stage adapted - Dementia awareness and training demands
Flexible long term supports - More proactive planning
Issues
• Inconsistency
• Screening/diagnostic tool
Discussion
• Tracer methodology useful
• Need for focus on early onset
assessment and diagnosis
• Quality improvement
References
Janicki, M., Mc Callion, P., Dalton ACSW & A.J. (2003) Dementia-Related
Decision-Making in Group Homes for persons with Intellectual Disabilities,
Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 38:1-2, 179-195
Ministry of Health (2013) New Zealand Framework for Dementia Care.
Ministry of health (2014) Improving the Lives of People with Dementia.
Royal College of Psychiatrists. (April 2015) Dementia and people with
Intellectual Disabilities. The British Psychological Society.