Disclosing and Communicating a Diagnosis of Dementia: Online Resource Available
Alzheimer Society released National Dementia Guidelines for disclosing a diagnosis. A toolkit, detailed report, and infographic help family physicians, specialists and nurse practitioners communicate a dementia diagnosis more effectively.
By RaDAR WebsiteThe following information is adapted from the Alzheimer Society of Canada's announcement:
The National Dementia Guidelines: Disclosing and Communicating a Diagnosis of Dementia was developed by Alzheimer Society of Canada along with the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Canadian Consensus Conference on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia. These Guidelines were funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada and were created in partnership with people living with dementia, care partners, healthcare providers, researchers, and diverse community groups.
The Guidelines include three phases including:
- Overall approach for disclosing a dementia diagnosis,
- Preparing for the initial diagnosis-disclosure meeting, and
- Meeting content for the disclosure process.
These Guidelines are accompanied by the CLEAR Communication Toolkit which is designed to help family physicians, specialists, nurse practitioners and other disclosing health care providers deliver a dementia diagnosis with clarity, compassion, and understanding.
In addition, Alzheimer Society has created an infographic that is designed for healthcare providers to use as a visual, appointment reference, or a handout. This infographic provides a quick summary of the eight recommendation in the Guidelines.
The Guidelines and tools meet an urgent need and help provide healthcare providers with the tools they need to improve the experience of communicating a dementia diagnosis. Healthcare providers utilizing these resources will help improve dementia care practices across the country.