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P2‐530: A WHOLE‐FACILITY APPROACH: IMPLEMENTING AN INNOVATIVE MODEL OF A ‘DEMENTIA FRIENDLY HOSPITAL’ AT THE MADISON, WI, VA MEDICAL CENTER
Author(s) -
Wyman Mary F.,
Schmidt Joy,
Flood Margaret,
Dolwick Philip,
Gleason Carey E.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.06.1224
Subject(s) - center (category theory) , dementia , medical emergency , state (computer science) , medicine , gerontology , computer science , chemistry , disease , crystallography , algorithm
ensuring access to resources earlier in the disease process for persons with dementia (PWD) and their caregivers. DCC is modeled on a published, peer-reviewed study (Bass et al. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy 2014, 6:9). The program goal is to have an impact on health outcomes and utilization; it is expected that, over time, DCC will result in: decreased readmission rate for the PWD; fewer emergency department admissions for the PWD and the caregiver; delayed nursing home admission; increased understanding of the disease; increased satisfaction with care. AMemory Specialist is assigned to the partnering organization once a partnership is established. Referrals can be made for many reasons, including: Symptoms of cognitive impairment; diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia; and record of prescription of an Alzheimer’s medication. Once a referral is made, the Memory Specialist proactively calls the caregiver to provide a Care Consultation. The Care Consultation reviews a wide range of topics, including: Understanding the dementia diagnosis; planning how to best support the PWD; reviewing resources for both the PWD and the caregiver; and developing strategies for best possible symptom management and communication. After the Care Consultation is complete, a feedback form is sent to the referral source for inclusion in the medical record. Additional follow up is made as needed. Methodology: The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI; Zarit, Orr, & Zarit, 1985) and the Alzheimer’s Association’s Core Services Quality Evaluation Initiative are used to collect data. 1,993 families served since fiscal year 2017, with a 50% increase in established partnerships. Current baseline data: Prior to intervention, 33% of caregivers reported being a little burdened by caring for the PWD, 32.52% reported being moderately burdened, 17.89% reported being quite a bit burdened, and 3.25% reported being extremely burdened. 83.74% of caregivers also reported feeling uncertain about what to do about their loved one. Subsequent data is currently in progress.