University of Tasmania, Australia

This project has the potential to address the rapidly rising demand for dementia specialist services and increase the numbers of Tasmanians with an early dementia diagnosis. The evidence obtained from this trial will have national and international significance as all developed countries look for innovative workforce solutions to deliver services to the projected rising number of people with dementia (numbers more than doubling by 2030 in Australia). The evidence gathered will inform the development of an expanded scope role for nurses in dementia diagnosis, while highlighting future areas needing research in this model of diagnosis.

The benefits to people with dementia and their carers will include access to improved and timely diagnosis of dementia, enabling earlier linking to care and services with the resultant improved capacity to plan for care and avoid risky behaviour such as driving. The benefits to health care providers will include better support for GPs and specialists in diagnosis and management of a person with dementia, and a referral and management avenue for other health providers.