1. Teleconsultations regarding persons with dementia: A case study of a successful implementation Sävenstedt, S. Department of Health Sciences, Luleå Technical University, Sweden Zingmark, K Research and Development unite, The County Council of Norrbotten, Sweden Sondell, B. Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umeå University, Sweden Stefan Sävenstedt Department of Health Sciences

2. A wish to increase the accessibility of geriatric expertise in remote areas A small coastal municipality with about 5000 inhabitants One health centre managed by a GP A nursing home with 70 residents Referral hospital with a Specialist in geriatric medicine 50 km. away Context Stefan Sävenstedt Department of Health Sciences

3. Remote consultations Weekly teleconsultation with the Specialist in geriatric medicine via video-conference Perceived as a successful implementation Stefan Sävenstedt Department of Health Sciences

4. The aim The aim of the study was to describe the experiences of the teleconsultations with a focus on aspects contributing to success Stefan Sävenstedt Department of Health Sciences

5. Method Case study with quantitative data about the issues dealt with and a focus group interview Stefan Sävenstedt Department of Health Sciences

6. Results Focus on Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) Stefan Sävenstedt Department of Health Sciences

7. Results Aspects of success - Main category 1 Aspects of social interaction Continuity that builds trust and quality in the work Willingness to adjust the way of working Experienced user of technical devices Stefan Sävenstedt Department of Health Sciences

8. Results Aspects of success - Main category 2 Views and experiences of benefits A mutual benefit in the collaboration Increased continuity for the elderly Increased security for the elderly A possibility of involvement of family members Increased attentiveness and consciousness among personnel Stefan Sävenstedt Department of Health Sciences

9. Conclusions Remote consultation with Specialist in geriatric medicine can improve the care of elderly persons with dementia suffering from BPSD The system should be built on continuity and aspects of social interaction should be considered in order to create a successful system. Stefan Sävenstedt Department of Health Sciences