Memory assessment project — Surrey Downs CCG Joanna

Memory assessment project - Surrey Downs CCG Joanna Gavins

Memory assessment project Who was involved • Joanna Gavins, Project Manager, Dementia Challenge Project, Surrey Downs CCG • Dr Sen Kallumpuram, Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Lead, SABP NHS Trust • 3 Dementia Link Practitioners

Project introduction Surrey Downs CCG awarded Dementia Challenge Funds Improve low dementia diagnosis rates (43%) Over 65 s population 55, 000 Specialist dementia link nurses (Band 6 OA MH) Work with 33 GP practices Identify early signs of cognitive impairment Improve dementia knowledge in practices Increase community awareness Screen, assess, diagnose, care plan Support and final diagnosis by Consultant Psychiatrist

DEMENTIA LINK NURSES CARE PATHWAY

DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS • Search GP Patient records Initial assessment • Over 65 s ‘at risk’ • Discuss with GP • Invitation for assessment 6000 • Comprehensive assessment • Provisional diagnosis • Mini cog and clock + functional activity tests • Further assessment by GP • Dementia blood screen Screening 206 • Referral to secondary care 2000 • MRI or CT scan • Full diagnosis • Care plan Diagnosis and care plan 156

ISSUES ADDRESSED Data sharing agreement Defining search terms Differing GP systems (4) Wording of invite letters Need for consultant DNAs Older cohort first

Challenges • To meet with Practice Managers in each GP surgery • To get buy-in from stakeholders i. e. GPs and patients • Willingness for change • De-stigmatise ‘Dementia’

RAISING KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS GP practices • 4 GP awareness days • GPs, Practice Nurses, Support Staff • Public • • 4 Roadshows with Alzheimer’s Society Radio Schools

OUTCOMES Improved diagnosis rates Knowledge and awareness 156 people directly diagnosed through the project GPs and practice staff Referral rates high - c. 25 per week Public Surrey Downs diagnosis rates now 72%

The next step – Dementia Data Harmonisation • This project has helped pave the way for the Dementia Data Harmonisation work which involves improving data quality of Dementia diagnosis within primary care • There is still some work to be done to change the hearts and minds of GPs • There are still certain surgeries not willing to participate in the Data harmonisation work and so Clinical Leads are having to work harder in those area

Joanna Gavins Project Manager KSS Strategic Clinical Network Joanna. gavins@nhs. net kssahsn. net