Measuring the opinions of memory clinic users: patients, relatives and general practitioners.

BACKGROUND

The opinions of memory clinic users are important to assess the value of memory clinics.

OBJECTIVE

To measure the quality of care of an outpatient memory clinic for the elderly as perceived by patients, their relatives and general practitioners (GPs).

METHODS

An observational study was conducted to measure the opinions of the users of a typical outpatient memory clinic. Opinions on five aspects were measured: (1) communication of the results, (2) provision of diagnostic information, (3) attitude of the clinicians, (4) usefulness of the medical assessment, and (5) information and advice to relatives. Patients and relatives were both interviewed with a dementia care satisfaction questionnaire. The GPs' opinions were derived with a self-constructed questionnaire.

RESULTS

On 105 consecutive assessments, 101 opinions of GPs, 81 of caregivers and 31 of patients were recorded. Positive opinions were recorded on the way the results were communicated, the usefulness of the assessment and attitude of the clinicians. In contrast to GPs and relatives, patients were less positive about the clarity of the diagnostic information received. Both relatives and GPs were negative on information and advice to relatives.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients, caregivers and GPs had positive opinions about the diagnostic value of the memory clinic. Quality improvement could focus on the clarity of the diagnostic information for patients and on better advice to relatives.