INTRODUCTION: The aim was to explore the context and experiences of collaboration between the general practitioner (GP) and the district nurse (DN) on diagnosing dementia, in order to identify possible procedures to improve care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two group interviews respectively with four DNs and five GPs working in the municipality of Copenhagen. RESULTS: The group interviews revealed that the suboptimised collaboration could be caused by different inter-professional diagnostic strategies and a lack of understanding of the importance of early, shared, decision-making. This could create conflicts between the groups. DISCUSSION: This study indicates a possibility of improving the collaboration between the two professional groups on diagnosing dementia. Possible approaches to improved care should focus on an inter-professional understanding of the importance of early, shared, decision-making, emphasising early identification and care of diagnosed demented patients.
Udgivelsesdato: 2002-Aug-5