Table 1 Proportion of participants (n=59) that selected Agree or Disagree/Unsure for each item, ranked in descending order
Based on Australian guidelinesa | Agree N (%)b | Disagree/ Unsure N (%)b | |
|---|---|---|---|
Improving accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis To improve the accuracy and timeliness of dementia diagnosis there is a need for: | |||
Individuals to have access to a geriatrician in their local area | N | 59 (100) | 0 (0) |
General practitioners to receive training in accurately diagnosing dementia | N | 57 (97) | 2 (3) |
Increased community awareness about early symptoms of dementia and what to do if symptoms are noticed | N | 56 (95) | 3 (5) |
75+ health assessments for general practice patients to include a standardised measure of cognitive impairment | N | 54 (92) | 5 (9) |
Undergraduate medical students to receive training and rigorous skills assessment for dementia diagnosis | Y | 52 (88) | 7 (12) |
Involvement of dementia-trained general practice nurses in the diagnosis of dementia | N | 50 (85) | 9 (15) |
Consultations with geriatricians to be more affordable | N | 47 (80) | 12 (20) |
Provision of information at diagnosis At the time of diagnosis, people with dementia and their support person/s should be provided with information about: | |||
The benefits and risks of available treatment options | Y | 59 (100) | 0 (0) |
Lifestyle modifications that may improve health or quality of life | N | 59 (100) | 0 (0) |
How to access psychological support or counselling | Y | 59 (100) | 0 (0) |
Appointing a substitute decision maker(s) (e.g. Enduring Guardian and Enduring Power of Attorney) | N | 59 (100) | 0 (0) |
Symptoms of dementia which may occur in future | Y | 57 (97) | 2 (3) |
The benefits and process of making an Advance Care Directive | N | 57 (97) | 2 (3) |
Increasing home safety to prevent accidents (e.g. falls, fires) | N | 56 (95) | 3 (5) |
The potential benefits of being involved in research | N | 46 (78) | 13 (22) |
Probable life expectancy, no matter how uncertain the information | N | 37 (63) | 22 (37) |
At the time of diagnosis, people with dementia and their support person/s should be offered: | |||
Referral to relevant community organisations (e.g. Dementia Australia) | Y | 59 (100) | 0 (0) |
Information about dementia in multiple formats, including written and web-based, according to their preferences | Y | 58 (98) | 1 (2) |
A second consultation within 2 weeks of the initial diagnosis consultation to answer questions or discuss concerns. | N | 31 (53) | 28 (48) |