Customised dementia pathways tool for south-east Melbourne

The South Eastern Melbourne Medicare Local (SEMML) has launched a customised version of the dementia pathways tool first developed in the Grampians region.

The tool aims to provide GPs and practice nurses with online information, resources and local contact information to assist with the diagnosis, early intervention and management of patients with dementia.

First developed by the Grampians Medicare Local and the Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation (CeRDI, formerly known as Centre for eCommerce and Communications) at Federation University Australia, the tool offers a repository of dementia-related information, service directories and resources aimed at enhancing current assessment, management and referral practices.

SEMML and its aged care advisory group identified there was a need for an easy to use dementia tool so decided to adopt and localise the Grampians tool for its website.

One of the differences between this dementia pathways tool and others being used throughout the country is that it is open to use by the public. According to CeRDI, this enables community access to information about dementia that may be of relevance, such as family and carer support, financial and legal issues, driving capabilities and powers of attorney.

The Dementia Pathways Tool is available from the SEMML website for use by GPs and other health professionals.

SEMML will shortly transform into the new South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN), along with partners Frankston-Mornington Peninsula Medicare Local and Bayside Medicare Local.

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