Investigation into patient experience of dementia diagnosis, Hartlepool

Healthwatch Hartlepool decided to look at the issue of dementia diagnosis as part of its ongoing interest in the provision of dementia care and treatment services.

In November 2015 questionnaires were sent to all GP surgeries in Hartlepool. The questionnaire asked about the process the individual practices followed with patients from a possible problem being identified through to diagnosis and ongoing treatment and support.

Generally, we received a positive impression of the dementia diagnostic services provided by the eight practices who returned questionnaires. It must be said however, that overall, practices were slow to respond and despite several reminders only 50% of the practices in the town returned the questionnaire.

Around 30 patients, carers and family members with recent experience of the dementia diagnosis process have input into our investigation. This has been through one to one discussions and larger focus group events. We are extremely grateful to all those who have taken time to speak to us and their input is are extremely valuable.

Overall there was evidence that diagnosis and associated procedures have improved across the GP practices that returned questionnaires. Awareness levels among staff appears to have improved and staff training on dementia awareness now happens routinely in most Practices.

This includes administrative and reception staff as well as well as GPs and nurses. However, service development in this area is still a “work in progress” and there is still scope for further improvement.

Recommendations made are that the findings and conclusions above are noted and acted upon by all relevant parties and that Healthwatch Hartlepool continues to monitor the ongoing development of patient experience of service delivery in this area.