Perspectives of general practice nurses, people living with dementia and carers on the delivery of dementia care in the primary care setting: potential models for optimal care.

Abstract

Background The increasing prevalence of dementia requires a change in the organisation and delivery of primary care to improve the accessibility of best-practice care for people living with dementia and their carer(s). The aim of this study is to describe potential models of dementia care in the primary care setting whereby the nurse plays a central role, from the perspectives of nurses working in general practice, people living with dementia and carer(s). Methods Data from two qualitative semi-structured interview studies were pooled to explore the views of nurses working in general practice, people living with dementia and carer(s) on potential models for the provision of nurse-delivered dementia care. Data were thematically analysed. Six carers, five people living with dementia and 13 nurses working in general practice took part in the study. The data used in this study have not been previously reported. Results Three themes describing nurse-delivered models of care to meet the healthcare needs of people living with dementia and their carer(s) were identified: nurse-led care, dementia care nurse specialist outreach and nurse-enhanced post-diagnostic care. Conclusions This study describes three potential models of dementia care delivery by the nurse in general practice. These findings can be used to guide the implementation of new models of care that integrate the provision of dementia care by nurses within interdisciplinary primary care teams, to better meet the healthcare needs of people living with dementia and their carer(s).