A service evaluation and audit of dementia assessment in a community learning disability team

Purpose This paper aims to describe key features of the dementia pathway in a community learning disability team and provide an audit of screening assessments. Design/methodology/approach The data of all service users on the pathway at the time (n = 57) who had been referred for dementia assessment in the team was collected from electronic records. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings A third of service users had Down syndrome and around 40% of service users had a formal mental health diagnosis, the most common of which was depression. The most commonly reported symptoms of dementia centred around forgetting, fatigue, confusion and loss of skills. Dementia was diagnosed in 16% of service users. Time between referral and completion of screening assessment (access time) was comparable to the national average for memory assessment services. A screening tool had been completed and documented for 89% of service users. A multi-disciplinary team (MDT) discussion had been held for 60% of service users following screening assessment. Practical implications The findings highlight some aspects of the pathway that are performing well, such as access time and documentation of assessment processes. Service user characteristics underline some of the complexities in dementia assessment for people with intellectual disability, and results have identified areas where this may be better supported. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first evaluation of dementia assessment for service users in the Northumberland Community Learning Disability Team.