title: The use of PDSA methodology to evaluate and optimise an inner city memory clinic: a quality improvement project.
abstract: The Memory Services National Accreditation Programme states that memory services should provide "timely access to assessment and diagnosis" of dementia. We undertook a quality improvement project using Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology to improve patient access to an inner city memory service. This report focuses on the third Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle where, in 2012, we aimed to shorten the time from memory service referral to assessment and to diagnosis. The time from referral to assessment increased but the time from referral to diagnosis and to treatment decreased. Other memory clinics could use Plan-Do-Study-Act to enable faster diagnosis and better care for patients with dementia.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: Therese
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
authors.affiliation: Haringey Memory Service, St Ann's Hospital, Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust, London, UK. e.sampson@ucl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Elizabeth L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Sampson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000592:standards; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000592:standards*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards; D013997:Time Factors; D019037:Urban Health Services / Q000592:standards*