The impact of location on satisfaction with dementia services amongst people with dementia and their informal carers: a comparative evaluation of a community-based and a clinic-based memory service.
BACKGROUND
The development of effective medication for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease led to an expansion in the use of memory clinics ther clinic-based services for the delivery and monitoring of the drugs. In contrast, there is an increased emphasis on providing home and community based service delivery for a range of illnesses including dementia.


METHODS
This paper reports the findings of an evaluation study comparing a clinic-based and a community service. A convenience sample of 10 service users and carer dyads took part in in-depth qualitative interviews. Service users were diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia of Alzheimer's type. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and subsequently analyzed using template analysis.


RESULTS
Service users and carers were satisfied with both services, with determinants of satisfaction differing between the two services. Issues relating to the location and spatial design of services, comfort, familiarity, communication with staff, and ease of use are highlighted as important determinants of satisfaction amongst service users and their carers.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has implications for person-centred care practices in service delivery and for the future design of mental health services for people with dementia.
Gibson
Grant
G
Division of Primary Care, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. g.gibson@liv.ac.uk
Timlin
Alison
A
Curran
Stephen
S
Wattis
John
J
D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D003704:Dementia / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D010549:Personal Satisfaction