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Towards improving diagnosis of memory loss in general practice: TIMeLi diagnostic test accuracy study protocol
Sam T Creavin1, Sarah J Cullum2, Judy Haworth3
1School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK. Sam.Creavin@bristol.ac.uk.
BMC Family Practice
|July 20, 2016
Summary
This study evaluates simple diagnostic tests for dementia in primary care, aiming to improve patient-centered dementia diagnosis and inform clinical practice for general practitioners (GPs). Findings will guide test selection and commissioning of diagnostic pathways.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Primary Care Medicine
Background:
- Patient-centered care is lacking in current dementia diagnosis pathways.
- Research is needed on primary care's role in dementia diagnosis.
- Few studies assess dementia diagnostic test accuracy in primary care settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of simple diagnostic tests for all-cause dementia in primary care.
- To assess the acceptability and feasibility of primary care-based dementia diagnosis.
- To inform clinical decision-making and commissioning of dementia diagnostic services.
Main Methods:
- Prospective diagnostic test accuracy study in symptomatic patients over 70 years old.
- Index tests performed in a research clinic setting, mimicking primary care.
- Reference standard based on expert consensus excluding index test results.
Main Results:
- Accuracy of various simple diagnostic tests for all-cause dementia will be determined.
- Qualitative data on patient and clinician perspectives will be gathered.
- Diagnostic accuracy for dementia subtypes will be explored where feasible.
Conclusions:
- Results will guide clinicians in selecting appropriate diagnostic tests for suspected dementia.
- Findings will inform the commissioning of more effective and patient-centered dementia diagnostic pathways.