Quality Statement 10: Specialized Interprofessional Care Team

Resources Quality Statements Advisory Committee About

10

Specialized Interprofessional Care Team

People living with dementia and symptoms of agitation or aggression have access to services from an interprofessional team that provides specialized care for the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Background

The needs of people living with dementia and symptoms of agitation or aggression are multifactorial and complex. Individualized management from providers of various disciplines who are specialized in dementia care is necessary. This interprofessional team allows for the delivery of specialized care for behavioural symptoms through a multifaceted approach, and the development and implementation of an individualized care plan to prevent these symptoms.

What This Quality Statement Means

For Patients

You should receive care from a team of health care professionals who have been trained to care for people living with dementia.

For Clinicians

Ensure that people who have dementia with symptoms of agitation or aggression are cared for by an interprofessional team specialized in the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

For Health Services

Ensure that hospitals and long-term care homes have timely access to an interprofessional team that specializes in care for the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Quality Indicators

Process Indicator

Access to an interprofessional team that provides specialized care for the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia; it consists of at least one physician and one other regulated professional

Data source: local data collection

Definitions Used Within This Quality Statement

Specialized interprofessional care team

At least one physician and one other regulated professional who specialize in dementia care are included on the team. Other regulated and unregulated health professionals on the team may include nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, behavioural support workers, social workers, caregivers, administrative staff, personal support workers, speech-language pathologists, physiotherapists, geriatricians, dietitians, and recreational staff.

Evidence to Improve Care