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Dementia Australia welcomes the launch of the frst National Memory and Cognition Clinic Guidelines
Dementia peak body congratulates researchers from the Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT) on the release of the frst Memory and Cognition Clinic Guidelines: National Service Guidelines for Specialised Dementia and Cognitive Decline Services in Australia. Developed by over a hundred researchers, health professionals, people living with dementia and their care partners, the guidelines include consensus-based recommendations for the ideal service provision at Australian Memory and Cognition Clinics. It covers aspects such as referral processes, assessment procedures, efective communication, and post-diagnostic support. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said the guidelines aim to harmonise service provision and the diagnostic process of Memory and Cognition Clinics across Australia. “The guidelines represent the collaborative work between health professionals, academics and researchers, people living with dementia and their care partners.
“Dementia Australia is included as a primary referral point to connect clients to services. “From our own experience, people living with dementia often report how difcult it was to receive their diagnosis.
“A continued focus on timely diagnosis and early and appropriate support is essential to improve the quality of care for people living with dementia. “I encourage all researchers and health professionals to refer their patients to Dementia Australia for support and access to services. “Congratulations and thank you to all Dementia Advocates, researchers, health professionals and Dementia Australia staf who were involved in developing the guidelines.
The Australian Dementia Network (ADNeT) is a network of leading researchers and clinicians who work together with the aim of improving the quality of dementia diagnosis and care and to accelerate the development of new treatments through research.
The Guidelines can be accessed on the ADNeT website: https://www.australiandementianetwork.org.au/ initiatives/memory-clinics-network/adnet-memory-and-cognition-clinic-guidelines/
Cuts to Telehealth puts people with breast cancer at risk as COVID-19 cases surge
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is calling on the Federal Government to defer changes to Telehealth that will limit access to telephone consultations with their specialists from January 1, 2022. As COVID-19 cases once again place pressure on the healthcare system, BCNA considers it too soon to remove certain Telehealth items from the Medicare Benefts Scheme (MBS) and unrealistic to expect patients to attend face-to-face appointments or restrict them to telehealth via video. Cancer Australia data indicates only two to fve per cent of monthly specialist services were delivered by telehealth video call in the frst part of 2020, compared with ten to 24 per cent via phone. BCNA is concerned the MBS changes will disadvantage people with breast cancer especially those in rural and remote areas with poor or no internet connection as well as the elderly and other groups with low digital literacy. BCNA welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement earlier this month that Telehealth will be a permanent fxture in our health system. Where possible the preference for optimal cancer care is face-to-face consultations but as COVID- 19 continues to impact Australia’s health system, BCNA is concerned that limiting access to telephone consultations combined with current workforce shortages, will prevent those with breast cancer in accessing optimal care. Vicki Durston, Director Policy, Advocacy & Member Support at BCNA says, “We recognise the value of telehealth when appropriate and support the Australian Government’s commitment to its continued use. However, we request a deferral to these changes and more time for clinicians and consumers to have a seat at the table to inform decisions that afect cancer care. This is of particular concern to our network of people with breast cancer who have relied heavily on telehealth over the past two years for their treatment and follow up care.”
