Introduction A timely diagnosis of dementia is crucial for initiating and maintaining support for people living with dementia. The coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic temporarily halted Memory Clinics, where this is organised, and rate of dementia diagnosis has fallen. Despite increasing use of alternatives to face-to-face (F2F) consultations in other departments, it is unclear whether this is feasible within the traditional Memory Clinic model. Aims The main aim of this service improvement project performed during the pandemic was to explore feasibility of telephone (TC) and videoconference (VC) Memory Clinic consultations. Methods Consecutive patients on the Memory Clinic waiting list were telephoned and offered an initial appointment by VC or TC. Data extracted included: age, internet-enabled device ownership, reason for and choice of Memory Clinic assessment. We noted Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Blind (TC) and Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-III (VC via Attend Anywhere) scores, and feasibility of consultation. Results Out of 100 patients, 12 had a home assessment, moved away, been hospitalised, or died. 45, 21 and 6 preferred F2F, VC and TC assessments respectively. 16 were not contactable and offered a F2F appointment. The main reason for preferring F2F was non-ownership, or inability to use an internet-enabled device (80%). VC and TC preference reasons were unwillingness to come to hospital (59%), and convenience (41%). Attendance rate was 100% for VC and TC, but 77% for F2F. Feasibility (successful consultations) was seen in 90% (VC) and 67% (TC) patients. Conclusion For able and willing patients, remote Memory Consultations can be both feasible and beneficial. This has implications for future planning in dementia services.

中文翻译：

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使用计划、执行、学习、行动 (PDSA) 循环的远程记忆诊所的可行性

简介 及时诊断痴呆症对于启动和维持对痴呆症患者的支持至关重要。冠状病毒病 (COVID) 大流行暂时停止了组织记忆诊所的活动，痴呆症的诊断率也有所下降。尽管在其他部门越来越多地使用面对面 (F2F) 咨询的替代方案，但尚不清楚这在传统的记忆诊所模型中是否可行。目的 在大流行期间进行的这项服务改进项目的主要目的是探索电话 (TC) 和视频会议 (VC) 记忆诊所咨询的可行性。方法 VC 或 TC 给记忆诊所等候名单上的连续患者打电话并提供初步预约。提取的数据包括：年龄、支持互联网的设备所有权、记忆诊所评估的原因和选择。我们注意到蒙特利尔认知评估盲法 (TC) 和 Addenbrooke 的认知考试 III (VC via Attend Anywhere) 分数，以及咨询的可行性。结果 在 100 名患者中，有 12 名进行了家庭评估、搬家、住院或死亡。分别有 45、21 和 6 个首选 F2F、VC 和 TC 评估。16 人无法联系并提供了 F2F 预约。更喜欢 F2F 的主要原因是没有所有权，或者无法使用支持互联网的设备 (80%)。VC和TC偏好的原因是不愿意来医院（59%）和方便（41%）。VC 和 TC 的出勤率为 100%，而 F2F 的出勤率为 77%。在 90% (VC) 和 67% (TC) 患者中看到了可行性（成功咨询）。结论 对于有能力和有意愿的患者，远程记忆咨询既可行又有益。这对痴呆症服务的未来规划有影响。