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Published on: October 13, 2016
Integrated multidisciplinary diagnostic approach for dementia care: randomised controlled trial
Claire A G Wolfs1, Alfons Kessels, Carmen D Dirksen
1Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, University Hospital of Maastricht/Alzheimer Centre Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Summary
An integrated multidisciplinary approach significantly improved health-related quality of life for dementia patients. This approach offers better dementia care compared to standard treatment.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Integrated multidisciplinary approaches are recommended for dementia care but lack robust evaluation.
- Complex psychogeriatric patient management requires coordinated, specialized care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the clinical impact of an integrated multidisciplinary diagnostic facility for psychogeriatric patients.
- To determine if this specialized facility improves patient outcomes compared to standard care.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial comparing an integrated facility (intervention) with treatment as usual (control).
- 137 patients in the intervention group and 93 in the control group.
- Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measured using the EuroQol 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D) visual analogue scale (VAS) at baseline, 6, and 12 months via proxy interviews.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed improved HRQoL at 6 months, while the control group's HRQoL decreased.
- A clinically relevant improvement (≥10 points on VAS) was observed more frequently in the intervention group at both follow-ups.
- The integrated approach demonstrated a positive effect on patient-reported quality of life.
Conclusions:
- An integrated multidisciplinary approach enhances the quality of dementia care.
- Specialized diagnostic facilities can lead to better outcomes for patients with complex psychogeriatric needs.
- Evidence supports the implementation of integrated care models in dementia management.
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