GEOGRAPHICAL DIFFERENCES IN DEMENTIA CARE

Abstract

The particular clinical and socio-economic characteristics of patients with dementia in different geographical areas have not been adequately recorded. In addition, the contribution of geographical differentiation to the path of dementia care and the use of technologies for patient safety is almost unknown. To investigate these characteristics was conducted cross-sectional study with 779 patients, the data of which were obtained from the records of the external neurological clinics from public hospitals under the 6th Health District. The main tool of data collection was a questionnaire, with information on medical history, demographic and socio-economic data, as well as data on disease management. The questionnaires were collected through personal interviews, after obtaining the written consent of patients and their caregivers. Statistically significant differences were recorded in urban and rural areas in terms of: clinical profile, proportions and number of comorbidities as well as number of drugs. There were also differences in the socio-economic status of patients as well as in the choice of the primary caregiver, the use of health services, social-community care services and the adoption of technology.