The Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration (MARC), led by the National Ageing Research Institute, is a partnership of 11 organisations that aim to improve the health and wellbeing of older people.
MARC is conducting a research study to develop resources for carers of people living with dementia to reduce avoidable presentations to the emergency department.
People with dementia are twice as likely to be hospitalised as people the same age who do not have dementia. Hospital can be very distressing for a person with dementia and their carers and can sometimes lead to negative consequences such as falls, resulting in fracture, delirium, sepsis, or pressure ulcers. Although some hospital attendances are necessary, others could be avoided if support was available to people with dementia and their carers to make decisions about healthcare.
This study aims to:
- understand the main reasons that people with dementia go to the emergency department,
- identify how many of these could have been avoided, and
- develop resources to support people with dementia and their carers in making healthcare decisions.
Participation will involve completing a survey about your experience regarding hospitalisation for people with dementia, as well as current practices in managing people living with dementia seeking acute healthcare. You may also be asked to participate in a focus group/interview to give feedback about the resources developed for carers.
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To participate in this study, you need to be:
- a general practitioner working in the Melbourne metropolitan area, OR
- a clinical staff member working in the Austin Hospital, Royal Melbourne Hospital, or the Northern Hospital.
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To find out more about this project, go to nari.net.au/marc/our-research or contact Anita Panayiotou (03) 8387 2662 a.panayiotou@nari.edu.au
Disclaimer: This article was provided by Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency and completeness of any information or material included within.
