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Why to test for dementia: perspectives of patients, significant others and general practitioners.
- Source :
-
Age and ageing [Age Ageing] 2024 Jan 02; Vol. 53 (1). - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Background: This study aims to provide greater insight into the current decision-making process on diagnostic testing for dementia by exploring the expectations, needs and experiences of patients with memory complaints, significant others and general practitioners (GPs).<br />Methods: We performed semi-structured interviews with patients (>60 years) who consulted their GP on memory complaints, significant others and GPs. Participants were recruited until data saturation was reached in thematic analysis of interview transcripts.<br />Results: We performed 51 interviews (patients n = 20, significant others n = 15, GPs n = 16). Thematic analysis revealed four themes: (i) 'drivers to (not) testing', i.e. need to act on symptoms, beliefs on the necessity and expected outcomes of diagnostic testing; (ii) 'patient preferences and context are critical in the actual decision', i.e. in the actual decision-making process interpretation of symptoms, GPs' desire to meet patient preferences, social context and healthcare system dynamics guided the decision; (iii) 'need for individualised communication in the decision-making process', i.e. for patients feeling heard was a prerequisite for decision-making and GPs tailored communication strategies to individual patients and (iv) 'GP practice and barriers to shared decision-making (SDM)', i.e. although GPs value SDM in the decision on diagnostic testing for dementia, patients express limited awareness of the decision and options at stake.<br />Conclusions: Decision-making on diagnostic testing for dementia is a multifactorial and preference-guided process for all involved stakeholders, but decisions are often not explicitly jointly made. Development of patient decision aids could facilitate better involvement and more informed choices by patients.<br /> (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1468-2834
- Volume :
- 53
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Age and ageing
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38251737
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afad251