This site uses cookies to measure how you use the website so it can be updated and improved based on your needs and also uses cookies to help remember the notifications you’ve seen, like this one, so that we don’t show them to you again. If you could also tell us a little bit about yourself, this information will help us understand how we can support you better and make this site even easier for you to use and navigate.

The costs and benefits of an integrated approach to dementia

Authors

Wolfs, C. A. G., Dirksen, C. D., Severens, J. L., Kessels, A., Verkaaik, M., Verhey, F. R. J.

Journal

Tijdschrift Voor Psychiatrie, Volume: 53, No.: 9, Pages.: 657-665

Year of Publication

2011

Abstract

Background: An integrated approach to dementia is generally recommended because no one discipline is adequately equipped it deal with the complex psychic, physical and social problems that are inherent in dementia. A multidisciplinary approach, however, leads inevitably to higher costs. It is not known what the cost/benefit ratio will be.; Aim: To describe our research into the costs and benefits of an integrated approach to dementia involving the use of a diagnostic research centre for psycho-geriatrics and thereafter to compare our findings with the results of other studies of the costs and benefits of an integrated approach.; Method: We performed a prospective and randomised efficiency study and we compared our findings with the results of other studies of the costs and benefits of an integrated approach. We reviewed recent literature.; Results: The DRC-PG was more effective than normal care as far as the patients’ quality of life was concerned, but was not more expensive. It can therefore be regarded as a cost-effective facility for ambulatory patients with dementia. Three other studies provided additional empirical evidence of the success of a similar integrated approach in various sectors involved in the care of patients with dementia.; Conclusion: An integrated approach with regard to the diagnosis, treatment and management of dementia produces favourable results. More research is needed into the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of integrated care programmes. This should result in improvements in the care and treatment of patients with dementia.;

Keywords

aged, approach, care, costbenefit analysis, dementia, economics, female, geriatric assessment, health care costs, humans, integrated, male, methods, outcome assessment (health care), patient care team, prospective studies, quality of life, therapy, to

Countries of Study

Netherlands

Types of Dementia

Dementia (general / unspecified)

Types of Study

Economic evaluation, Randomised Controlled Trial

Type of Outcomes

Quality of Life of Person With Dementia, Service use or cost reductions (incl. hospital use reduction, care home admission delay)

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions

Other