The British journal of general practice : the journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
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Early detection and management of dementia in primary care are difficult problems for practitioners. England's National Dementia Strategy 2009 seeks to improve these areas but there is limited evidence on how to achieve this most effectively. ⋯ The quality of the studies varied considerably. Educational interventions are effective when learners are able to set their own educational agenda. Although modifying the service pathway and using case management can assist in several aspects of dementia care, these would require the provision of extra resources, and their value is yet to be tested in different health systems.
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The ease with which patients can make primary care appointments in the UK has been subject to a pay for performance scheme since 2004. A separate scheme, extended hours - the provision of extra appointments outside normal office hours -was introduced in 2008. ⋯ Demand for additional opening in primary care is only influenced by Saturday appointments. Satisfaction with opening hours responds to increased capacity, but is not linked to a specific time period.