title: Service-related needs of older people with dementia: perspectives of service users and their unpaid carers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dementia is a major cause of disability among older people and constitutes one of the greatest challenges currently facing families and health and social care services in the developed world. In response to trends in dementia prevalence and the impact the condition has on peoples' lives, dementia care has been placed high on the public and political agenda in the United Kingdom. However, despite significant public resources being allocated to combat the impact of the disease, recent evidence indicates that numerous challenges in relation to service provision remain. This study aimed to develop a deeper understanding of the lived experience of people with dementia regarding their service-related needs.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study made use of data gathered through individual semi-structured, narrative interviews conducted with persons with experience of dementia and their unpaid carers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although participants were generally satisfied with the services they received, a number of unmet needs related to service provision were identified. In terms of diagnostic procedures the findings of this study indicate the need for early diagnosis delivered through a comprehensive assessment package. The participants also highlighted the need for well-coordinated post-diagnostic support, greater continuity of care concerning the personnel involved, and enhanced access to non-pharmacological interventions to support identity and social engagement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study contributes to a better understanding of service-related needs of people with dementia in relation to diagnostic procedures and post-diagnostic support.
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, Scotland, UK. sgorska@qmu.ac.uk
authors.forename: Sylwia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Górska
authors.forename: Kirsty
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Forsyth
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Irvine
authors.forename: Donald
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Maciver
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Prior
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Whitehead
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Flockhart
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fairnie
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reid
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research