Dementia is a leading health and aged care issue in Australia that has a significant impact on the health and quality of life of people with the condition.
There is currently no cure for dementia but there are strategies that can assist in maintaining independence and quality of life for as long as possible.
Undertaking quality improvement in dementia can enhance the way primary care providers provide services to patients with dementia and other health related needs. It will require health care providers to work together to explore solutions to identify early interventions for patients with chronic and complex needs.
Opportunity for general practices
Practices are invited to take part in the Practice Improvement Program for Dementia (Face Dementia), which aims to increase and improve dementia diagnosis and care in primary care across Western Victoria. Approximately 1 in 5 patients over the age of 65 are likely to live with dementia, however approximately 50% of patients with symptoms of dementia currently do not have a diagnosis, which severely affects their access to care and treatment options.
WVPHN can provide you with a copy of your practice data with regards to dementia diagnosis. The data shows the alignment of the practice data with AIHW population statistics of dementia.
The Face Dementia Program will include many benefits for your practice:
- Improved care and treatment options for your patients.
- 3 x 1 hour online training sessions for your GPs and Practice Nurses.
- A toolkit of relevant practice resources
- RACGP approved CPD hours for two CPD categories (educational activities and measuring outcomes).*
Registration for the Practice Improvement Program can be found Here
Change Ideas
Dementia – Change Ideas PDF 180KB
Plan Do Study Act (PDSA)
Improve management of patients with Dementia