This project aims to improve the provision of best practice post-diagnostic support for people with dementia and their carers by creating a forum for:
- measuring outcomes for this work
- sharing learning from innovations
- implementing best practice approaches from across the Oxford AHSN region.
Dr Candy Stone, Consultant Clinical Psychologist from Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, is leading this work for the Dementia Clinical Network.
The Network will facilitate knowledge and skill development in professionals and thereby increase access to a high quality range of services for patients and carers in the Oxford AHSN region.
We held a well-received event in October 2016 for health professionals. The workshop included presentations on group dynamics in dementia post-diagnostic support groups, and experiences from the Younger People with Dementia (YPWD) Berkshire charity of working in partnership to develop services. Participants valued the opportunity to find out about post-diagnostic services in other areas and some common issues which require addressing were identified. Locality teams worked together at the end of the event to identify the improvements they wished to make in their own post-diagnostic support services.
Further workshops with CPD content are planned to support teams in developing their services.