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Developing an integrated Memory Assessment and Support Service for people with dementia
Author(s) -
HEAN S.,
NOJEED N.,
WARR J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.69
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1365-2850
pISSN - 1351-0126
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2850.2010.01665.x
Subject(s) - dementia , service (business) , process management , qualitative property , psychology , best practice , nursing , medicine , computer science , engineering , business , political science , machine learning , law , disease , pathology , marketing
Accessible summary• The Mid‐Essex Memory and Support Service (MASS), in response to the National Dementia Strategy (Department of Health), offers a comprehensive assessment of the individual experiencing memory impairment as well as support for their carers. • The MASS developed a streamlined care pathway, with one point of entry and a common care programme approach to assessment whereby timely referral, treatment and support are delivered to any patient irrespective of age. • An evaluation of the service has identified the components of the new service patient pathway – and those previously offered. The MASS service has shown distinct benefits over the previous pathway, specifically:1 Service activity has increased with speedier responses to referrals, assessment, diagnosis and treatment. 2 There has been an increase in the number of people diagnosed with dementia (at an earlier stage) and revealed in the numbers on the Dementia register. 3 The integrated service, within a purpose‐built unit has distinct advantages, emphasized by the positive comments from service users, carers, family and staff. 4 There are increased costs associated with the service, not least because of initiating and monitoring treatment, especially anti‐dementia drugs to a larger population, based on earlier diagnosis.Abstract This paper describes the development of an integrated Memory Assessment and Support Service guided by best practice principles offered by a National Dementia Strategy (Department of Health). Previous service provision is outlined and comparisons made from both quantitative and qualitative evaluation data to consider the effectiveness of the new service. Conclusions and recommendations are offered to assist others with similar practice development requirements.