Teleconsultations regarding persons with dementia:A case study of a successful implementation

Sävenstedt, S.

Department of Health Sciences,

Luleå Technical University, Sweden

Zingmark, K

Research and Development unite,

The County Council of Norrbotten, Sweden

Sondell, B.

Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation,

Umeå University, Sweden

Stefan SävenstedtDepartment of Health Sciences

A wish to increase the accessibility of geriatric expertise in remote areas

•A small coastal municipality with about 5000 inhabitants•One health centre managed by a GP•A nursing home with 70 residents•Referral hospital with a Specialist in geriatric medicine 50 km. away

Context

Stefan SävenstedtDepartment of Health Sciences

Remote consultations

Weekly teleconsultation with the Specialist in geriatric medicinevia video-conference

Perceived as a successful implementation

Stefan SävenstedtDepartment of Health Sciences

The aim

The aim of the study was to describe the experiences of the teleconsultations with a focus on aspects contributing to success

Stefan SävenstedtDepartment of Health Sciences

Method

Case study with quantitative data about the issues dealt withand a focus group interview

Stefan SävenstedtDepartment of Health Sciences

Results

Focus onBehavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

Stefan SävenstedtDepartment of Health Sciences

Results

Aspects of success - Main category 1

Aspects of social interaction

•Continuity that builds trust and quality in the work

•Willingness to adjust the way of working

•Experienced user of technical devices

Stefan SävenstedtDepartment of Health Sciences

Results

Aspects of success - Main category 2

Views and experiences of benefits

• A mutual benefit in the collaboration

• Increased continuity for the elderly

• Increased security for the elderly

• A possibility of involvement of family members

• Increased attentiveness and consciousness among personnel Stefan Sävenstedt

Department of Health Sciences

Conclusions

Remote consultation with Specialist in geriatric medicine can improve the care of elderly persons with dementia suffering from BPSD

The system should be built on continuity and aspects of social interaction should be considered in order to create a successfulsystem.

Stefan SävenstedtDepartment of Health Sciences