Why use this framework?

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to set out what is expected from high quality dementia post-diagnostic support (PDS) services in Scotland. It is influenced by the outcomes that people should experience as a result of good post-diagnostic support and the criteria that support these outcomes to be achieved. The document is for:

• practitioners delivering post-diagnostic support, and
• managers of post-diagnostic support services.

Need

Whilst statistical data on post-diagnostic support is collected, there has been no national mechanism for assuring the quality of the support people are receiving. We know from speaking to people with dementia, those who care for them, practitioners and other professionals that approaches to post-diagnostic support and the quality of post-diagnostic support services vary throughout the country.

This framework therefore aims to set out what is necessary for high quality post-diagnostic support and the policies, principles, rights and standards that should underpin service provision. By using the principles of personalisation and personal outcomes, the framework is relevant for post-diagnostic support practitioners working with people across the 5 Pillars model[1] and takes into account situations where people are not diagnosed until they are in the middle stages of their dementia but are still eligible for, and offered, post-diagnostic support whilst requiring more care co-ordination as described by Alzheimer Scotland’s 8 Pillars model[6]. There are references throughout the framework and guidance to acknowledge this.

The words ‘post-diagnostic support practitioners’ are used throughout the framework to cover Dementia Link Workers and all other staff who deliver post-diagnostic support as the named practitioner.

Why use

The key benefits of using the framework are:

• to explore how well the post-diagnostic support service is supporting positive
  outcomes for people with dementia and those who care for them
• to improve the experience of practitioners delivering post-diagnostic support
• to improve local decision-making to ensure staff have the necessary skills and
  resources to deliver high quality post-diagnostic support
• to act as a motivator for service improvement
• to provide a quality assurance system for post-diagnostic support
• to provide quality assurance evidence for any external scrutiny bodies such as the Care Inspectorate
• to inform national policy, education and improvement programme priorities, and
• to ensure that services are delivered to a consistently high standard.