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A memory clinic v. traditional community mental health team service: comparison of costs and quality.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Rubinsztein, Judy Sasha 
van Rensburg, Marelna Janse 
Al-Salihy, Zerak 
Girling, Deborah 

Abstract

Aims and method To compare the cost and quality of a memory-clinic-based service (MCS) with a traditional community mental health team (CMHT) service. Using a retrospective case-note review, we studied two groups, each with 33 participants. Consecutive referrals for diagnostic 'memory' assessments over 4 months were evaluated. Participants were evaluated for up to 6 months. Results The MCS was less costly than the CMHT service but the difference was not statistically significant (mean cost for MCS was £742, mean cost for CMHT service was £807). The MCS offered more multidisciplinary and comprehensive care, including: pre- and post-diagnostic counselling, more systematic screening of blood for reversible causes of dementia, more use of structured assessment instruments in patients/carers, signposting to the third sector as well as more consistent copying of letters to patients/carers. Clinical implications An MCS service offered more comprehensive and multidisciplinary service at no extra cost to secondary care.

Description

Keywords

1117 Public Health and Health Services, Health services & systems, Health Services Research, Health Services, Clinical Research, Mental Health, Mental Health

Journal Title

BJPsych Bull

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2056-4694
2056-4708

Volume Title

39

Publisher

Royal College of Psychiatrists