Opinion - (2023) Volume 9, Issue 7
Background: Multimorbidity is common in dementia and is associated with both increased healthcare utilisation and poorer outcomes. Part of the management of Long Term Conditions (LTCs) occurs through annual LTC reviews conducted in primary care. In England, these are generally linked with Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) targets although patient priorities and concerns may be left unexplored as a result of the dominance of QOF. Little is known about the experiences or needs of people with dementia (PWD) and informal carers in regard to LTC reviews. Aim: To explore the experiences of PWD and their informal carers of the review and management of LTCs in primary care. Method: Qualitative research study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with PWD and informal carers. Participants were recruited through Join Dementia Research and local (to Norfolk, UK) charities. Thematic analysis was undertaken with reference to Braun and Clarke (2006). Institutional ethical approval (ref ETH2122-1035) was received May 2022. Results: 16 participants were interviewed: two PWD, 10 informal carers and two informal care/PWD dyads. Our findings fall into four main themes: 1) What matters to people; medical needs such as reducing polypharmacy and holistic social and wellbeing needs 2) What is a review; the diversity of experiences 3) The importance of communication and 4) Preference for shared decision making. Conclusion: PWD and informal carers want to be more involved in LTC reviews. Consideration should be given to ensuring patients and carers are aware when a LTC review will take place so providing them with the opportunity to be involved and thus allowing shared decision making and patient centred care. Further research into the clinician experience and their views on patients’ needs and how to meet them is required in order to consider how we can optimise LTC reviews for people with dementia as well as in general.
Dementia • LTCRs • Alzheimer's disease
Dementia is a debilitating and progressive condition that affects millions of people worldwide, not only those diagnosed but also their informal carers who provide invaluable support. In the quest for improving the quality of care for individuals living with dementia, Long-Term Condition Reviews (LTCRs) in primary care have emerged as a crucial component. This opinion article aims to shed light on the experiences of people with dementia and their informal carers regarding LTCRs in primary care. It emphasizes the need for a patient-centric and holistic approach to these reviews to ensure that they truly benefit those affected by dementia.
The Importance of Long-Term Condition Reviews
LTCRs in primary care are designed to monitor and manage chronic conditions comprehensively. For individuals with dementia, these reviews can be vital in assessing their overall health, medication management, and social support systems. However, the effectiveness of LTCRs in improving the lives of dementia patients and their informal carers hinges on how they are conducted and the extent to which they address the unique challenges posed by this condition.
Long-term condition reviews in primary care have the potential to greatly improve the lives of people with dementia and their informal carers. However, a one-size-fits-all approach will not suffice. To truly make a difference, LTCRs must be patient-centric, holistic, and well-informed about the unique challenges posed by dementia. By prioritizing effective communication, emotional support, and integrated care, we can empower those affected by dementia and provide them with the comprehensive support they need to live their lives to the fullest despite the challenges posed by this condition.
Citation: Jiang, J. A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experiences of People with Dementia and Their Informal Carers of Long Term Condition Reviews in Primary Care. 2023, 09(07), 001.
Received: 20-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. cep-23-104622; Editor assigned: 22-Aug-2023, Pre QC No. cep-23-104622 (PQ); Reviewed: 25-Aug-2023, QC No. cep-23-104622 (Q); Revised: 27-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. cep-23-104622 (R); Published: 02-Sep-2023, DOI: 10.35248/ 2471-2701.22.9(7).338
Copyright: ©2023 Cole, J.L. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
