Het gebruik van observatieschalen bij tekens van mogelijke cognitieve problemen thuis

Abstract:The contact between general practitioners (GPs) and their older patients tends to be relatively short and with large intervals. Carers, however, see these patients more often and have a closer contact. Consequently, they experience signs of possible cognitive deterioration much earlier, but find it difficult to report such signs to the GP. The effect of a more structured way to report signs of cognitive deterioration was studied and the use of a formal and effective observation scale evaluated. Using this observation scale, professional and informal carers observed their patients aged 65 years and more and reported any sign of possible cognitive deterioration to the GP. After some months, it was investigated if this information had influenced the GP's care. The interest of primary care staff to use the observation scale was large and its use proved feasible. GPs reported that the information was useful in 30 patients (14%) and thus, they took action more frequently. To be useful, there was no need for the information to be new.

Publication year:2012

Accessibility:Open