Overview
This is an intervention study that aims to test the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a system-based intervention for improving rates of health assessments for older people (≥75 years) attending Australian general practices. Reviews and meta-analyses have shown inconsistent evidence for the effectiveness of health assessments in the US and Europe, with low methodological quality across many studies limiting the strength of evidence. A potential, yet unexplored, advantage of health assessments is that they may facilitate timely detection of dementia, promote early linkage with appropriate services to support people with dementia and their carers in planning for the future, and facilitate implementation of strategies to assist people with dementia to stay within the community as long as possible. Given that people with dementia have more health co-morbidities than those without, timely identification of dementia may also assist GPs to implement strategies to either prevent or improve the management of such co-morbidities prior to cognitive decline.
Progress
A survey of 184 GPs’ regarding views about what should be included in the 75+ Health Assessment has been completed. Results are being used to inform the development of RCT to improve uptake of the 75+ Health Assessment.
Next Steps
Remote interventions and data collection processes are being explored to ensure the study will be feasible in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Co-leaders: Dr Mariko Carey, Prof Danielle Mazza
Working Group Members: TBC