Routine health monitoring and preventative care for people with dementia in UK primary care

Abstract

BackgroundUK National Dementia Strategies prioritise fair access to dementia treatment for all. It has been shown that people from black and minority ethnic (BME) groups are diagnosed later and those are less likely to receive anti-dementia medication.AimIt is hypothesised that access to primary care services post diagnosis is also reduced in ethnic minority groups.MethodThe Health Improvement Network (THIN) database of UK primary care records was analysed between 2015 and 2016, all patients with dementia were identified, and health service use was compared. Annual GP consultations, blood pressure (BP), weight/body mass index (BMI), Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) dementia review, and flu vaccination recordings were compared between ethnic groups.ResultsOver 20 000 individuals with a dementia diagnosis aged 50–105 years were included. There was no significant difference between white, black, and Asian groups across all outcomes. Overall 80% received an annual BP check, 86% received at least one annual GP consultation, 68% received an annual dementia review, and 48% had a weight/BMI recorded. People with dementia who did not have cardiovascular risk factors were less likely to have their BP checked (59%) and be seen by a GP.ConclusionThere do not appear to be ethnic inequalities in primary care service use post-dementia diagnosis. The overall proportion receiving an annual dementia review and weight check was low, despite recommendations that a care plan should be reviewed annually (including nutrition as a key priority). Post-diagnosis support and preventative care should be prioritised in general practice for all people living with dementia.