Developing memory clinics in primary care: an evidence-based interprofessional program of continuing professional...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Primary Care Medicine
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Primary care settings face challenges in managing the growing needs of patients with dementia.
• A novel interprofessional training program was designed to enhance dementia care capacity.
• The program focused on establishing interprofessional memory clinics within Family Health Teams (FHTs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an interprofessional training program for dementia care in primary care.
• To assess changes in healthcare professionals' knowledge, ability, confidence, and comfort in managing dementia.
• To determine the impact of the training on the capacity of Family Health Teams to independently manage cognitive impairment.

Main Methods:

• An interprofessional training program involved a 2-day workshop, 1-day observership, and 2-day mentorship.
• Participants completed pre-training and 6-month follow-up online surveys assessing knowledge, ability, and confidence.
• A reaction survey was administered post-workshop and observership.

Main Results:

• Twenty-two FHTs involving 124 professionals participated.
• Statistically significant increases were observed in self-reported knowledge, ability, confidence, and comfort in managing cognitive impairment.
• The program successfully led to the formation of memory clinics in almost all participating FHTs, increasing dementia care capacity.

Conclusions:

• The training program effectively facilitated evidence-based practice change in primary care for dementia management.
• Capacity development initiatives, practical knowledge, and effective teaching strategies are key to successful dementia care training.
• Supporting primary care providers enables them to manage the majority of dementia care within their practices.