IMS MAXIMS launches dementia system
Software supports NHS to diagnose and plan care for dementia sufferers
IMS MAXIMS has launched new software designed specifically to support NHS trusts with early diagnosis and improved care of patients with dementia.
The MAXIMS Dementia System has been developed to meet the increasing demand from NHS organisations for a solution that not only prompts healthcare ,professionals to make relevant assessments for people with suspected dementia, but also guides them to the correct care pathway to ensure they receive the most appropriate referral and treatment.
Dementia affects an estimated 670,000 people in England alone, with this figure expected to double in the next 30 years. This is already resulting in more than 25% of general hospital beds at any one time being occupied by patients who have been diagnosed with dementia.
The misdiagnosis and delayed or incorrect treatment of long-term conditions such a dementia is placing a huge strain on our NHS, with dementia estimated to cost our society in excess of £19billion per year
As part of the Government’s drive to ensure patients are diagnosed as early as possible and treated in the correct care setting, the Department of Health has introduced a Commissioning for Quality Innovation (CQUIN) payment framework, which incentivises the identification of patients with dementia as well as prompting appropriate referral and follow up. In addition to this, as of April, the framework will be extended further to show how quality dementia care is being delivered.
Shane Tickell, chief executive of IMS MAXIMS, said: “The misdiagnosis and delayed or incorrect treatment of long-term conditions such a dementia is placing a huge strain on our NHS, with dementia estimated to cost our society in excess of £19billion per year.
“IMS MAXIMS recognises the increasing need for trusts to manage the identification and referral process of dementia patients. Our aim is to help trusts capture data as easily and effectively as possible to improve the identification and quality of care of dementia patients and receive the correct payments for doing so.”
Working within the CQUIN framework has allowed us to develop software which helps trusts become more efficient in administrative terms while improving patient wellbeing and care
The software has been developed based on NICE guidelines and by working in partnership with NHS organisations aiming to improve their patient care pathways. The software, which integrates with virtually any system, takes users step by step through each of the CQUIN target’s three stages (find, assess, investigate and review - FAIR) allowing trusts to easily collate data ready for extraction. It can also be tailored so that clinical users establish a simple workflow, identifying dementia symptoms and other cognitive impairments early, resulting in more accurate referrals to the appropriate diagnostic assessment, treatment and support.
Through the system, a dementia record is created for each patient who meets criteria set within the CQUIN framework. Clinical users then follow a simple work list within the software to complete the FAIR process. This involves using confusion assessment screening to identify whether patients have delirium or dementia, the creation of an abbreviated mental test score to investigate other potential diagnoses, and details of referral.
Tickell said: “IMS MAXIMS is committed to developing systems that support the increasing and ever-changing challenges that the NHS faces. Working within the CQUIN framework has allowed us to develop software which helps trusts become more efficient in administrative terms while improving patient wellbeing and care. We look forward to continuing to work alongside healthcare organisations to provide the most advanced IT solutions possible to address the issues they face.”
