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National survey to assess current practices in the diagnosis and management of young people with dementia
Author(s) -
Cordery Rebecca,
Harvey Richard,
Frost Christopher,
Rossor Martin
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.527
Subject(s) - referral , dementia , medicine , psychiatry , family medicine , service (business) , specialist care , gerontology , primary care , disease , economy , pathology , economics
Abstract Background The Royal College of Psychiatrists has recommended that old age psychiatrists may be best placed to take responsibility for service provision for younger people with dementia. There are concerns however, that if referral between specialists, particularly neurologists and old age psychiatrists, is incomplete, patients may be under investigated or inappropriately followed up. Objectives We have assessed the current level of referral between these specialists, how each investigates their patients and details of follow up care. Method We conducted a postal survey of all consultant neurologists and consultant old age psychiatrists in the UK with an overall response rate of 64%. Results and Conclusions The ideal of full collaboration between old age psychiatrists and neurologists is not achieved. Young patients may be under investigated if managed solely by an old age psychiatrist and may not receive adequate follow up services if managed solely by a neurologist. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.