GPs' attitudes, awareness, and practice regarding early diagnosis of dementia |
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Authors: | Shamail Ahmad Martin Orrell Steve Iliffe Antonia Gracie |
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Affiliation: | National Audit Office, Health VFM, London;Department of Mental Health Sciences;Primary Care & Population Health, University College London, London;National Audit Office, Health VFM, London |
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Abstract: | BackgroundIn primary care, the diagnosis of dementia is often delayed and the 2007 National Audit Office Report concluded action was needed to improve patient care and value for money.AimTo investigate the attitudes, awareness, and practice of GPs in England regarding early diagnosis and management of patients with dementia, and perceptions of local specialist services, to identify training or support needs.Design of studySecondary analysis of survey data that capture the above attitudes, awareness, and practice.SettingOnline survey, targeting GP members of medeConnect.MethodSurvey data were obtained using an anonymised online self-completion questionnaire, and then analysed using standard data-analysis software.ResultsA total of 1011 GPs across the eight English regions responded. Older GPs were more confident in diagnosing and giving advice about dementia, but less likely to feel that early diagnosis was beneficial, and more likely to feel that patients with dementia can be a drain on resources with little positive outcome. Younger GPs were more positive and felt that much could be done to improve quality of life. Attitudes had no correlation with sex. GPs in general felt they had not had sufficient basic and post-qualifying training in dementia, and overall knowledge about dementia was low.ConclusionMuch could be done to improve GPs'' knowledge of dementia, and the confidence of older GPs could be an educational resource. However, greater experience may create scepticism about early diagnosis because of the perceived poor quality of specialist services. |
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Keywords: | dementia early diagnosis family practice |
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