Currently there is no cure for dementia but there are strategies that can assist people living with dementia maintain independence and quality of life for as long as possible. However, recognition and management of dementia and potential dementia is suboptimal in primary care leading to poor health and social well-being outcomes for people living with dementia and their carer(s). As the prevalence of dementia increases primary care nurses will see more people living with dementia in their daily practice. Nurses have an opportunity to build on their trusted relationships with patients to break down stigma, fear and the common perception that nothing can be done for dementia. Nurses have an important role in meeting the increasing demand for good dementia care in primary care and this workshop provides the knowledge, skills and confidence to fulfil this role.
Co presented by a GP and nurse practitioner with significant experience in general practice, Dementia Matters is a three hour program for general practice nurses and other primary care nurses who would like to learn more about dementia. This three hour program will be delivered over two 1.5hr sessions.
Caroline Gibson and Professor Dimity Pond will present an interactive session including case studies and group activity. The sessions will cover the role of primary care and the primary care nurse in dementia care, dementia signs, symptoms and diagnosis, impact of dementia on the person, family and community, brain health promotion, recognising cognitive change, assessing cognition and impact on function, communication skills and adapting care in context of cognitive impairment.
Session 1
Learning objectives:
- Describe why knowing about dementia matters
- Explain the importance of understanding dementia
- Recognise key features and main characteristics of dementia
- Recognise potential indicators of cognitive change
- Explore the impact of cognitive change on function
Session 2
Learning objectives:
- Discuss how to have a conversation about cognition with patients and your medical team
- Apply a person-centred, team-based approach to identify potential health care needs.
- Develop strategies to support individuals living with a cognitive change and/or chronic disease – Case study – diabetes
- Self-care when looking after patients with dementia
Presenters
CAROLINE GIBSON is an early-career clinician researcher and an expert on the role of the general practice nurse in dementia care, she is completing her PhD at the University of Newcastle on this topic. Her research has informed the development of national dementia training for general practice nurses. Caroline is an invited member of the federal Department of Health Dementia Expert Reference Group (2021- current). She has experience as a general practice nurse, district nurse, complex care coordinator and aged care assessor in the community.
PROFESSOR DIMITY POND is a clinical professor with the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania. She conducts research in the area of mental health and particularly dementia, focusing mainly on GP identification and management of this. She has secured over $30 million in research funds and has published over 150 papers in peer reviewed journals. Dimity also works as a GP in Berowra.