Post-diagnostic support is a major gap in dementia care pathways across most of the UK. Situating post-diagnostic dementia support within primary care is increasingly advocated. We have now completed a research evaluation of primary care-based Dementia Support Workers in the Dementia-PersonAlised Care Team (D-PACT) study. The results show what needs to be in place to help the model work as part of the new Primary Care Network workforce, and how patients with dementia and their carers respond positively to personalised support.
The D-PACT team are hosting a knowledge exchange event to bring key stakeholders (commissioners, practitioners, people with lived experience and fellow researchers) together to hear the key insights from D-PACT and to share their experiences and perspectives.
Currently, there is no routine framework or financial incentive to help primary care networks to embed and sustain such a model within their own systems. However, opportunities exist within the primary care Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) and for ICB Provider Collaboratives to contribute dementia care expertise. Together it is possible to fill this significant gap in care.
Alongside the D-PACT insights, national dementia care experts will provide their perspective on how to progress. Together, attendees will strategise on how to address key priorities collectively.
Key topics will include:
- how to support the implementation of dementia models/roles;
- financial means of supporting dementia focused models/roles;
- how to support the workforce delivering and supporting the model and how future research within primary care could be facilitated;
- how to enhance the likelihood of such models supporting those from underserved communities.
A full agenda will be circulated once the enrolment period closes on Friday 28 June.
This free event will include lunch and refreshments.