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 65s population 55,000 Screen, assess, diagnose, care plan Support and final diagnosis by Consultant Psychiatrist 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

Dementia link nurses care pathway

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

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

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

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

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 kssahsn.net