Integrating Psychiatric Services into Comprehensive Dementia Care in the Community

Purpose: This study was conducted to clarify the utility of patient-held records as an integrated care approach for patients with dementia in the community. Method: We analyzed the family-held/patient-held records of patients with dementia in the community. The inclusion criteria in the study were as follows: 1) patient-held/family member-held records of patients with dementia in the community; 2) patient-held records designed to share information across different professionals, direct-care staff members, and local government staff; and 3) the continuous participation of psychiatrists in the development and use of the patient-held records. Results: We identified eight sets of family-held/patient-held records in Japanese communities of various sizes, all of which were aimed at integrating information from various services, including information provided by medical and psychiatric professionals to the family and patient. Innovative tools have been available in the areas of the hopes and preferences of the patient, medication and monitoring, sharing information, and the use of information technology. Conclusion and Discussion: Family-held/patient-held records have potential as a tool to enhance the integrated care of people with dementia in the community.