Improving memory services for South Asian families
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of an intervention to improve memory services for South Asian families where a member has dementia
IRAS ID
179593
Contact name
Shubra Singh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bradford District Care Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
Dementia is a national and global priority with an emphasis on timely diagnosis and post-diagnosis support to improve the quality of life for the person living with dementia and their families. Research suggests that Minority Ethnic (ME) communities of which those from a South Asian (SA) background represent the largest proportion; are currently under represented in specialist dementia services. Diagnostic rates in minority ethnic (ME) groups in Bradford have been found to be good but 40% of these families drop out from Memory Assessment and Treatment Services (MATS), compared with 9% of indigenous families. This is not ideal as post-diagnostic support is vital for maintaining the person with dementia’s quality of life. The proposed study aims to explore why persons with dementia from SA families drop out from the care pathway and establish key barriers and facilitators to completing the care pathway. We will conduct eight interviews with SA families exploring their experiences of post-diagnostic support. In addition, we will conduct three focus groups with SA people living with dementia and their carers. Participants will be recruited from community groups within Bradford and surrounding areas. To be included in the study, the person with dementia must be aged 65 years or over, the primary reason for referral to MATS must be memory problems and the person must have attended at least one appointment at MATS within the last 12 months. Those with a previous history of head injury, alcohol/drug abuse or other mental health co-morbidities will be excluded. Data will be analysed using thematic analysis. The proposed study will allow the production of recommendations for changes required to ensure successful and integrated services that meet the needs of these families.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/YH/0277
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion