Author:
Rubinsztein Judy Sasha,van Rensburg Marelna Janse,Al-Salihy Zerak,Girling Deborah,Lafortune Louise,Radhakrishnan Muralikrishnan,Brayne Carol
Abstract
Aims and methodTo compare the cost and quality of a memory-clinic-based service (MCS) with a traditional community mental health team (CMHT) service. Using a retrospective case-note review, we studied two groups, each with 33 participants. Consecutive referrals for diagnostic ‘memory’ assessments over 4 months were evaluated. Participants were evaluated for up to 6 months.ResultsThe MCS was less costly than the CMHT service but the difference was not statistically significant (mean cost for MCS was £742, mean cost for CMHT service was £807). The MCS offered more multidisciplinary and comprehensive care, including: pre- and post-diagnostic counselling, more systematic screening of blood for reversible causes of dementia, more use of structured assessment instruments in patients/carers, signposting to the third sector as well as more consistent copying of letters to patients/carers.Clinical implicationsAn MCS service offered more comprehensive and multidisciplinary service at no extra cost to secondary care.
Publisher
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health
Cited by
16 articles.
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