A realist evaluation of the dementia care coordinator service
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A realist evaluation of the Kent and Medway Dementia Care Coordinator service in primary care and across care pathways
IRAS ID
320383
Contact name
Ruth Abrams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 3 days
Research summary
Dementia is a progressive disease that has huge individual, family, societal and economic impact. Accessing the health and care system both pre and post diagnosis can be particularly challenging for those living with dementia and those caring for them. Diagnosis rates are low, meaning early guidance often does not take place. Community support is lacking for people living with the disease. Often people with dementia and their carers find themselves meeting challenges which can result in hospital admissions that could be avoided. To help counter this, Kent and Medway Integrated Care System (ICS) have recently implemented a new role called the Dementia Care Coordinator (DCC). The DCC role is proactive, supporting people with dementia and their carers to access the health and care system from pre diagnosis to end of life, including bereavement support, as needed.
For two years, from April 2022, Kent and Medway Integrated Care System (ICS) is funding one DCC post in each of its 42 Primary Care Networks to improve care for people with dementia and their families. Primary Care Networks are collections of general practices serving 30,000 to 50,000 people in particular regions of the country. The DCC role aims to increase diagnosis rates, decrease hospital admissions and improve community support. This study intends to explore whether or not the DCC is achieving its aims, for whom, and also how, why and in what circumstances.
This study will use a combination of methods such as questionnaires, interviews and routinely collected data to understand the perspectives of DCCs, GPs, memory services, clinical commissioners, people living with dementia and their carers. Analysis of the data will help to produce recommendations to help improve service delivery.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
22/IEC08/0036
Date of REC Opinion
13 Dec 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion