Summary
Data on dementia diagnosis rates from April 2014 to January 2015 have been published, in support of the Dementia Strategy (2009) and David Cameron’s Dementia Challenge. NHS England is committed to increasing dementia diagnosis rates in England by March 2015, with the target of two-thirds of people with dementia receiving a formal diagnosis.
This analysis from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) examines Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) recorded dementia diagnoses between April 2014 and January 2015. Extensive data tables in Excel format are available, but quotable headline summary statistics are hard to find.
Reference
Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF), Recorded Dementia Diagnoses, April 2014 – January 2015. London: Health & Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), February 17th 2015.
This relates to:
Reference
Knight, K. (2015). Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) Recorded Dementia Diagnoses: April 2014 – January 2015. Published 17th February 2015. London: Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), February 17th 2015. (v.10).
The Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia 2020 has little reticence in stating the improvements achieved so far (and further objectives to follow).
“GP diagnosis rates have increased from 42% to 59% in just 3 years but too many people are waiting up to 6 months for a full assessment, causing worry and uncertainty for people and their families. This will no longer be tolerated. There will also be a greater focus on the support given to people following their diagnosis such as giving people with dementia better information about the services available locally, as well as advice and support for carers”.
Reference
PM launches next phase of Britain’s fight against dementia. London [Online]: Department of Health, February 21st 2015.
There is also a tour de force clarification and summary of these issues, from the House of Commons Library.