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Integrated multidisciplinary diagnostic approach for dementia care: randomised controlled trial
Wolfs CAG, Kessels A, Dirksen CD, Severens JL, Verhey FRJ
British Journal of Psychiatry 2008 Apr;192(4):300-305
clinical trial
5/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

BACKGROUND: An integrated multidisciplinary approach to dementia is often recommended but has rarely been evaluated. AIMS: To evaluate the clinical effects of an integrated multidisciplinary diagnostic facility for psychogeriatric patients. METHOD: Patients suspected of having complex psychogeriatric problems were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 137) or to treatment as usual (n = 93). They were assessed at baseline, and at 6 months and 12 months follow-up by means of personal interviews with the patient's proxy. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life, assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) of the EuroQd measure, EQ-5D. RESULTS: Health-related quality of life had improved at 6 months in the intervention group, whereas that of the control group had decreased. Furthermore, more patients in the intervention group experienced a clinically relevant improvement of 10 points or more on the VAS at both follow-up measurements. CONCLUSIONS: An integrated multidisciplinary approach improves dementia care. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: None. Funding detailed in acknowledgements.

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