The support mechanisms in place for people across Lanarkshire who have just been diagnosed with dementia have been recognised at the Holyrood Connect public Sector ICT awards.
NHS Lanarkshire’s Mental Health and Learning Disability services received the Citizens Award for their Dementia Post Diagnostic Support Online Resource.
Delivered by Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire (HSCNL) on behalf of NHS Lanarkshire, the service is designed to enhance dementia post-diagnostic support through the use of technology.
Everyone diagnosed with dementia in Scotland is offered post diagnostic support (PDS). More than 10,000 people in Lanarkshire have dementia with around 800 more being diagnosed each year.
Post diagnosis support continues to be delivered by the Community Mental Health team and Alzheimer link workers with the online service adding to and enhancing this existing service.
To provide this support to all people with a new diagnosis of dementia the service embraced the use of technology. Information about all local dementia services and peer support groups/carer groups is now in one easy to access resource. In its first six months the service was accessed more than 1,800 times.
Before being launched, volunteers with dementia and/or their carers tested the resource before completing an anonymous survey. The results showed:
- 91% found the information easy to read
- 90% feel that they understand the different roles of the professionals who can help now and in the future and would know how to access help
- 86% were able to gain further information from clicking the links.
- 86% feel informed about how to plan for future care and decision making and would know how to do this
- 86% know how to gain peer support and what is available in their area
- 86% know what community networks are available in their area and how to use these
Maureen Cossar, senior nurse for Mental Health and Learning Disability Services at Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, was appointed as project manager to develop the digital resource.
Maureen said: “I’m delighted we have won the Citizens award, especially as the resource was designed specifically for the people of Lanarkshire who have dementia or care for someone with dementia.
“This resource has been developed for patients, families, carers and health practitioners to provide them with the tools, connections, resources and plans to allow them to live as well as possible with dementia.
“At the time of diagnosis, individuals are provided with guidance on how to access this resource. This provides immediate access to validated information about understanding the illness and managing symptoms, planning for future decision making, planning for future care, peer support and local community connections.
“Delivering this service online was identified as being the best way of enhancing the post-diagnostic support already provided in Lanarkshire.
“Through engagement with our partner agencies, including Alzheimer’s Scotland, service users can access accurate information at a time which suits them and are supported with practical advice and guidance.
“We’ll continue to review and develop the resource to ensure it always provides the most accurate information which can help during this difficult period of change for people. Going forward we’re also looking to add additional information relevant to people who have dementia and learning disabilities.”
Ross McGuffie, chief officer, Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “This award is very well deserved and acknowledges the positive impact it is having on people’s lives.
“This new online resource is a great piece of work by Maureen and the team. It is a leap forward for us in delivering care and advice at such a challenging time.
“Patients, their families and carers can access the information at their own pace in a straightforward manner at a time that suits them.
“It’s a simple tool, however it is already having a powerful impact.”
The link can be accessed at: http://www.clinicalknowledgepublisher.scot.nhs.uk/pathways/nhs-lanarkshire-8/dementia
