Dementia diagnosis: a pilot randomised controlled trial of education and IT audit to assess change in GP dementia documentation

Abstract

This trial aimed to test whether education and audit can change documentation of dementia by general practitioners (GPs). We measured the number of new dementia diagnoses documented and Mini Mental State Examinations (MMSEs) performed following the interventions of education and audit, using electronic data for audit and outcomes. GPs in Mackay were randomly assigned to the interventions of either an educational workshop or education combined with audit of their documented dementia diagnoses and MMSE performed in electronic medical records. The results were compared with a control group of GPs in Townsville. Together with education, audit significantly improved documentation of dementia compared with education alone and a control group. We developed a data extraction tool for Medical Director (MD) software producing a report of dementia diagnoses, MMSE tests and practice population at risk of dementia. General practitioners participating in this project were likely to be motivated to learn about dementia. Education using Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' (RACGP) guidelines and audit using an IT extraction tool can improve computer documentation of dementia. Differences in practice software and past adverse experiences with new software were barriers to using our data extraction software for audit purposes.