The discussion paper on the National Dementia Strategy1 made for very interesting reading. Both the National Dementia Strategy and ‘The Use of Antipsychotic Medication for People with Dementia’ report2 highlighted the importance of a greater focus being placed on training in dementia for GPs and GP trainees. Disappointingly, research suggests only 31% of GPs believe they have received sufficient basic- and post-qualification training in dementia.2
Seeking to develop an evidence-based approach to addressing these training needs for current and future GPs is vital to ensure the success of the National Dementia Strategy. Promisingly, our own preliminary research in the East Midlands has demonstrated that GP trainees who have completed a training placement in old age psychiatry demonstrated a more evidence-based and considered approach to managing the behavioural and psychological effects of dementia than their peers.
Of topical interest with regards to over prescription of antipsychotics in dementia by primary care, these trainees displayed both greater appreciation of the risks of antipsychotic medication and were less likely to prescribe them as first-line treatment compared to trainees who had not completed an old age psychiatry placement.
We very much welcome this article and look forward to seeing more like it as dementia becomes more prevalent in our society.
- © British Journal of General Practice, 2010.