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Comparative Study
. 2008;26(4):235-40.
doi: 10.1080/02813430802358236.

A Swedish programme for dementia diagnostics in primary healthcare

Erik Jedenius  1 , Anders Wimo, Jan Strömqvist, Niels Andreasen
Affiliations
Comparative Study

A Swedish programme for dementia diagnostics in primary healthcare

Erik Jedenius et al. Scand J Prim Health Care. 2008.

Abstract

Objective: To meet diagnostic needs of dementia, a new care programme was implemented in the county of Kalmar, Sweden. The objective of the study was to analyse whether the programme could identify and diagnose the estimated number of new cases.

Methods: A long-term follow up study on all new patients referred to primary and specialist care between 1999 and 2005 for dementia evaluation. RESULTS; Based on epidemiological data, 153 new cases per year were expected. Using the programme, an average of 127 cases was identified in primary healthcare and 22 at specialist level. Although the number of false-negative cases is not known, it may be concluded that most of the new cases with dementia were identified. The proportion of cases identified doubled after implementing the programme. The programme was implemented within an unchanged budget.

Conclusion: The programme may be of value for diagnosis and management of demented patients in primary healthcare.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Registrations of diagnosed dementia patients from the County council (PHC = Primary Health Care centres, GR = geriatric clinic, IMED = internal medicine) and reporting by private physicians in Kalmar community from 1995 to 2005.Note: “Others” includes patients from other departments, such as infectious diseases, surgery, and private physicians.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Referrals initiated by physician, community nurse etc. to the dementia programme (some of the patients had two or more referrals).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Visits to general practitioners (GPs) and community nurses in Kalmar 2000–2004.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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