NSFT showcases successful pilot scheme at international gathering of psychiatrists to improve care of dementia patients
Dr Yasir Hameed (above and centre) with delegates from the International Congress of RCPsych
A pilot scheme which has led to improving the service provided to patients living with dementia in care homes and reducing the referrals to secondary mental health services by almost half has been given international recognition.
The project, led by Dr Yasir Hameed, consultant psychiatrist, and his team, at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), brought together NSFT clinicians, the care home team, GP, primary care nurses and pharmacists, and family members, to meet fortnightly to discuss the care of residents with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia without the need to have a formal referral to the mental health services.
These meetings aimed to give primary care professionals timely advice and guidance on the management of psychiatric manifestations of dementia, and to improve communication and collaborative work with them. It also aimed to provide them with teaching and training opportunities on advances in the care of dementia patients with psychiatric symptoms.
Family members also attended these meetings and they appreciated the opportunity to ask questions about medication and non-medication interventions, and to be involved in decision making.
Within two years, the number of residents needing secondary mental health services or a referral to hospital, reduced by 49 per cent. As a result of the project's success, it has now been extended to a second care home.
NSFT resident doctors Alex Milone, Peace Ayodele and Trish Phiri, also participated actively in this project, which enriched their training experience, and gave them opportunities to gain experience in quality improvement work and publication.
The project has now been highlighted at the International Congress of the Royal College of Psychiatrists which brings together speakers from all over the world to share studies on various issues in regard to mental health.
Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Yasir Hameed, said: "It was an honour to represent NSFT at such a major event and champion the work we do to provide safer, kinder, and better services.
"I am proud we were able to showcase our pilot project which led to a reduction in referrals to mental health teams and improved joint working between the care home and primary professionals."
Other NSFT specialists also showcased their work at the congress, with Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist Toral Thomas presenting a seminar about AI tools for mental health, whilst Consultant Psychiatrist Vivek Agarwal spoke about the MRCPsych exam.
Dr Vivek Agarwal was also awarded the Editor's special RCPsych eLearning price for his commitment to continuous professional development.
Dr Faisil Sethi, Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, said: "The scale of NSFT's involvement at the international congress this year is a real testament to the dedication and collaboration across our teams.
"I would like to congratulate Yasir, Vivek, Toral, and the team, for their very successful presentations which showed innovation and a deep commitment to improving together."
Photo for media use: International Congress RCPsych assets [zip] 3MB