Identifying Primary Care Models of Dementia Care that Improve Quality of Life for People Living with Dementia and their Care Partners: An Environmental Scan. Issue 4 (20th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Helmer-Smith, Mary; Mihan, Ariana; Sethuram, Claire; Moroz, Isabella; Crowe, Lois; MacDonald, Tanya; Major, Jennifer; Houghton, Deanne; Laplante, James; Mastin, Donald; Poole, Lisa; Wighton, Mary Beth; Liddy, Clare
• Is Part Of: Canadian journal on aging. Volume 41:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 550
• Page End: 564
• Publication Date: 2022-12-20
• Subjects: aging -- dementia -- primary care -- model of care -- quality of life; vieillissement -- démence -- soins de première ligne -- modèle de soins -- qualité de vie; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Canada -- Periodicals; 612.6705
• DOI: 10.1017/S0714980821000635
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0714-9808

Abstract

Abstract: Dementia is a growing concern in Canada, affecting peoples' health and raising the cost of care. Between June and October 2019, we conducted an environmental scan to identify primary care models, strategies, and resources for dementia care from 11 pre-selected countries and assess their impact on quality-of-life measures. Search strategies included a rapid scoping review, grey literature search, and discussions with stakeholders. Eighteen primary care-based models of dementia care were identified. Common factors include team-based care, centralized care/case coordination, individual treatment plans, a stepped-care approach, and support for care partners. Five provinces had released a dementia strategy. Evidence of positive outcomes supported primary care-based models for dementia care, although only one model demonstrated evidence of impact on quality of life. Although these findings are encouraging, further research is needed to identify primary care-based models of dementia care that demonstrably improve quality of life for people living with dementia and their care partners.