University of Tasmania, Australia

To date there has been little work that considers the potentially valuable role of nurses and ACAT assessors in progressing the recognition and diagnosis of dementia.

Increasing the capacity of health care professionals and staff to identify suspected dementia will enhance their capability to assist GPs, persons with possible dementia and their relative/carer in the diagnostic process.

Key issues addressed in the education program include types of dementia, the five domains of dementia, why making a diagnosis of dementia is important, and how to identify dementia. Stages of care for people with dementia and services available to support people with dementia and their family carers will be discussed. Additionally, perceived barriers to dementia diagnosis and identifying strategies for increasing the role of nurses/ACAT in identifying suspected dementia with GPs will be explored by means of focus groups. Once evaluated, we plan to have the program available for national distribution.