A Multiple Method Evaluation of the Mid Essex Memory Assessment and Support Service.

Abstract

On 3rd February 2009, the Department of Health published “Living well with dementia: A National Dementia Strategy”. This proposed a series of changes to the way services for people with dementia are organised and delivered, from raising awareness and understanding through to “living well” with dementia, whether in the community or in long-term care. This report outlines the work undertaken by Bournemouth University in response to the “Specification for evaluation of newly created memory services in Mid Essex.” (July 2009). It details the consultancy and research advisory/ assistance role in order to comprehensively evaluate the pilot memory service- which commenced in January 2009. The approach was essentially a pragmatic service evaluation utilising existing data, supplemented with additional reviews in order to allow comparison between the new service and previous provision. In addition it makes recommendations which can inform future provision and where necessary improvements. The model identified the component elements of the new service (patient pathway) as well as those previously offered through an initial scoping exercise. From these elements it was possible to obtain comparisons utilising quantitative and qualitative outcome measures. The report identifies a range of positive benefits from the MASS provision and makes recommendations for the future.