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Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
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Early diagnosis of dementia by GPs
— an exploratory study of attitudes | | Author(s) | A J Milne, H H Woolford, J Mason |
| Journal title | Aging & Mental Health, vol 4, no 4, November 2000 |
| Pages | pp 292-300 |
| Source | http://www.tandfonline.com |
| Keywords | Dementia ; Diagnosis ; Early ; General practitioners ; Attitude. |
| Annotation | The capacity of early diagnosis of dementia to facilitate effective treatment and care is well established. Despite the likely influence of attitude on practice, little is known about general practitioner (GP) attitudes towards early diagnosis. This study collected attitudinal data and supplementary commentary from some 60% of GPs in one health authority in south-east England. The research suggests consistency between belief in the value of early diagnosis and reported practice. Specifically, results reveal that three variables significantly predict practice: a belief that there are benefits to patients of early diagnosis; a belief that negative outcomes may result from a failure to diagnose early; and the accessibility of local support services. Overall, 40% of the GPs held positive views, and 20% negative views towards early diagnosis. These views are underpinned by specific "drivers" and "barriers". If GPs are to extend their commitment to early diagnosis, development work must focus on investing in training and resources which facilitate practice, and challenging the attitudinal barriers which undermine it. (RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-001214203 A |
| Classmark | EA: LK7: 4J: QT6: DP |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
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| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
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