Abstract

BackgroundDementia is under-diagnosed in primary care. Timely diagnosis and care management improve outcomes for patients and caregivers. This research evaluated the effectiveness of a nationwide Continuing Medical Education (CME) program to enhance dementia-related awareness, practice, knowledge and confidence of general practitioners (GPs) in Australia.MethodsData were collected from self-report surveys by GPs who participated in an accredited CME program face-to-face or online; program evaluations from GPs; and process evaluations from workshop facilitators. CME participants completed surveys at one or more time-points (pre-, post-program, six to 9 months follow-up) between 2015 and 2017. Paired samples t-test was used to determine difference in mean outcome scores (self-reported change in awareness, knowledge, confidence, practice) between time-points. Multivariable regression analyses were used to investigate associations between respondent characteristics and key variables. Qualitative feedback was analysed thematically.ResultsOf 1352 GPs who completed a survey at one or more time-points (pre: 1303; post: 1017; follow-up: 138), mean scores increased between pre-CME and post-program for awareness (Mpost-pre = 0.9, p < 0.0005), practice-related items (Mpost-pre = 1.3, p < 0.0005), knowledge (Mpost-pre = 2.2, p < 0.0005), confidence (Mpost-pre = 2.1, p < 0.0005). Significant increases were seen in all four outcomes for GPs who completed these surveys at both pre- and follow-up time-points. Male participants and those who had practised for five or more years showed greater change in knowledge and confidence. Age, years in practice, and education delivery method significantly predicted post-program knowledge and confidence. Most respondents who completed additional program evaluations (> 90%) rated the training as relevant to their practice. These participants, and facilitators who completed process evaluations, suggested adding more content addressing patient capacity and legal issues, locality-specific specialist and support services, case studies and videos to illustrate concepts.ConclusionsThe sustainability of change in key elements relating to health professionals’ dementia awareness, knowledge and confidence indicated that dementia CME programs may contribute to improving capacity to provide timely dementia diagnosis and management in general practice. Low follow-up response rates warrant cautious interpretation of results. Dementia CME should be adopted in other contexts and updated as more research becomes available.

Highlights

  • The sustainability of change in key elements relating to health professionals’ dementia awareness, knowledge and confidence indicated that dementia Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs may contribute to improving capacity to provide timely dementia diagnosis and management in general practice

  • The full logistic regression model for awareness was statistically significant x2 (12, n = 1205) = 48.58, p < 0.0005 and distinguished between respondents who were aware and those who were unaware of key dementia diagnosis and management topics prior to engaging in CME

  • Participants were generally aware of most topics covered in the CME prior to participation in the program, but some General Practitioner (GP) were unaware of key areas such as the difference between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, the cumulative anticholinergic effect of medications, and legal issues involved in care and management of dementia

Read more

Summary

Introduction

This research evaluated the effectiveness of a nationwide Continuing Medical Education (CME) program to enhance dementia-related awareness, practice, knowledge and confidence of general practitioners (GPs) in Australia. It may result from a number of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cerebrovascular disease [1]. It is the second leading cause of death in Australia [2] and the fifth leading cause of death globally [3]. A recent global survey of over 14,000 healthcare practitioners indicated that 62% still believe that dementia is a normal part of ageing [7]. Greater translation and delivery of dementia-related knowledge into practice are needed

Objectives
Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call