Memory clinics and clinical governance--a UK perspective.
BACKGROUND
Memory clinics have developed using a range of service models but providing similar functions which include assessment, information, treatment monitoring, education, training and research. Memory clinic development is now taking place in the UK in the context of clinical governance and the drive for quality improvement. At a strategic level this process is driven by the National Service Framework for Older People and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.


METHODS
The literature describing quality issues in memory clinics is reviewed against a multi-dimensional framework for assessing quality standards.


CONCLUSIONS
The rationing of health care, both explicit and implicit, is discussed in view of limited capacity and financial resources of the National Health Service and the significance of this in determining quality standards is highlighted. The authors offer a generic quality specification for memory clinic development, using mild cognitive impairment as an illustration of the quality standards that might be achieved and clinical governance systems that must be present to drive forward continuous quality improvement.
Phipps
Andrew J
AJ
Hundens Lane Resource Centre, Darlington, Co Durham, UK. a.j.phipps@ic4life.net
O'Brien
John T
JT
D000068:Accreditation; D000368:Aged; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000592:standards*; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit / Q000592:standards*; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D016730:Program Development; D013222:State Medicine / Q000592:standards; D006113:United Kingdom