Authors (including presenting author) :
Tang LN(1),Ma CY(1),Lau ML(1),Tam YY(1), Lui KY(1),Tong MY(1),Yung CY(1),Ng YB(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
Family caregivers of patients with dementia encounter particular challenges in their roles and often experience unmet needs for information and psychosocial support. In addition, some of the patients might default from follow-up due to poor memory and lack of social support. To address these problems, a proactive telephone support service, one of the feasible evidence-based methods, has been launched in the Cognitive Clinic in United Christian Hospital (UCH) by trained nurses since 2013.
Objectives :
-To review caregivers’ need and satisfaction level towards the service
-To evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions in reducing utilization of Accident and Emergency Department (AED) service
Methodology :
Patients’ electronic records were reviewed retrospectively. Reasons for phone calls and number of attendance to AED within 28-day post-clinic visiting were documented. In addition, phone interview for satisfactory level towards the service was performed.
Result & Outcome :
Between Jan 2013 and Jan 2020, 1520 phone calls were delivered to family caregivers. Majority (85%) were regarded to proper use and titration of medications for dementia. Among these, 12% were found inappropriate use of dementia drug or patch, while 15% experienced undesirable dementia medication side effects. Besides, 10% were regarded to coping skill of worsening behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) from patients. 3% of caregivers required psychosocial support and counselling. Furthermore, 25% were regarded to management of other related home safety issues. Less than 2% of patients sought for AED service due to the adverse effect of dementia drug or worsening of BPSD within 28-day post-clinic visiting. 100% caregiver not only showed satisfaction towards the phone reminder service but also expressed the sense of safety if they were provided with proactive telephone support service.
Conclusion:
Proactive telephone interventions were effective in providing a safe-net and psychosocial support for family caregivers of patients with dementia and reducing utilization of AED service.
