• Dementia Treatment - Investigating the Practice Patterns, Beliefs, Concerns, and Perceived Needs of Family Physicians

    This project was conducted from October 1, 2007 through September 2008 and funded by a grant from Forrest Laboratories, Inc. This project was a national sample survey of AAFP active members who spend at least 50% of their time in direct patient care and reside in the US. The goal of the study is to investigate the practice patterns, beliefs, concerns and perceived need of family physicians that treat patients with dementia.  

    Objectives addressed in this research:

    1. Develop and administer a national survey that investigates the current care practices, perceived barriers, concerns, beliefs, and needs of family physicians related to the medical care of individuals with dementia and their families.
    2. Analyze the results, with adjustments for variable response rates as applicable, to develop a long-term action plan for AAFP, Forrest Labs, and for general dissemination concerning the impact of current care trends as well as future needs of family physicians concerning dementia care as the population ages.

    Presentations

    Poster presentation, Annual Conference of the North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG), Rio Grande, PR. November 16, 2008.

    Key Findings and Publications

    This research provides evidence of how family physicians respond to patients with suspected dementia. Information is provided related to screening, diagnosis, referral, and providing care to patients with dementia. These topics will take on greater urgency for family medicine and communities as U.S. baby boomers continue to age.

    Practice Patterns, Beliefs, and Perceived Barriers to Care Regarding Dementia: A Report from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) National Research Network. Thomas V. Stewart, Natalia Loskutova, James M. Galliher, Gregg A. Warshaw, Letoynia J. Coombs, Elizabeth W. Staton, Jessica M. Huff, and Wilson D. Pace. J Am Board Fam Med March-April 2014; 27:275-283; doi:10.3122/jabfm.2014.02.120284

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