Feasibility of remote Memory Clinics using the plan, do, study, act (PDSA) cycle

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Timely dementia diagnosis is crucial for patient support.
• The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Memory Clinic services, leading to a decline in dementia diagnoses.
• The feasibility of remote consultations in Memory Clinics remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility of telephone (TC) and videoconference (VC) consultations within Memory Clinics.
• To assess patient preferences and attendance rates for remote versus face-to-face (F2F) Memory Clinic appointments.

Main Methods:

• A service improvement project offered initial Memory Clinic appointments via VC or TC to patients on the waiting list.
• Data collected included patient demographics, device ownership, reasons for assessment choice, and consultation feasibility.
• Cognitive assessments (Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Blind for TC, Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III for VC) were noted.

Main Results:

• Out of 100 patients, 45 preferred F2F, 21 preferred VC, and 6 preferred TC. 16 were uncontactable.
• The primary reason for F2F preference was lack of internet-enabled devices (80%).
• VC and TC consultations achieved 100% attendance, compared to 77% for F2F. Successful consultations were 90% for VC and 67% for TC.

Conclusions:

• Remote Memory Clinic consultations are feasible and beneficial for patients willing and able to use them.
• These findings have significant implications for the future planning and delivery of dementia services.
• Exploring remote options can enhance accessibility and continuity of care for individuals with dementia.