A Care Management Model for Enhancing Physician Practice for Alzheimer Disease in Primary Care

Abstract

ABSTRACT Previous research has indicated that passive distribution of educational material by itself has little impact on physician behavior. In this paper, a collaborative care management program for the treatment and management of dementia in primary care (The PREVENT Study) is described. The essential components of the integrated program are: 1) a comprehensive screening and diagnosis protocol; 2) a multidisciplinary team approach coordinated by a geriatric advance practice nurse; and 3) a proactive longitudinal tracking system. The key role of the geriatric nurse practitioner is emphasized. While the clinical trial is still on-going, we can report that the intervention has been well received by primary care physicians, patients and their families.