The main roles of a Policy and Evaluation Adviser to take forward the 2016-19
Glasgow Dementia Project strategic priorities
Purpose of a Policy Advisor
According to Easton (1953) a policy is a mass of actions and decisions that attach values to it. A policy advisor uses their expertise to evaluate the policy, based on effectiveness to examine what is working by utilisation of evidence and advises for improvement (Verrelli, 2008). Policy is a broad area of research for the advisor to analyse and suggest how to implement new options and improve the policy (Mayer et al, 2004). However, the advice given may or may not be implemented by the actors involved and as such accountability of the advice must be accepted by the parties involved in the
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decision (Verrelli, 2008). In summation a policy advisor must advise by use of an evidence base to improve on the policy and examine what is working. Also, the advisor must accept accountability for any advice given and utilised. Overview of the Glasgow dementia project 2016-19 The Glasgow dementia project is a 3 year collaborative Partnership between Alzheimer Scotland, Glasgow City Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
It aims to co-operate with people with dementia, their families, carers and a wide range of stakeholders (Glasgow Dementia Strategy, 2016). The number of people in Scotland with dementia stands at around 70, 000 as of 2015 with a projection of 156% rise over the next 38 years (Alzheimer’s society, 2016). National and local level Policy has therefore reflected a need to respond to this and plan for the future (Glasgow Dementia Strategy, 2016). Following the Scotland’s national dementia Strategy (2010) the Glasgow strategy aims to encourage and strengthen communities to ensure that over time, there is capacity to support people affected by dementia so they can enjoy the best possible quality of life. This policy also follows the Alzheimer’s Scotland (2016) policies on dementia awareness and health models to ascertain the best possible life for those impacted by dementia. This new Glasgow strategy provides an opportunity to raise awareness and combat stigma this is to ensure that Glasgow is a dementia friendly place to live for people affected by dementia (Glasgow Dementia Strategy, …show more content…
2016). Pathway structure In this policy by Glasgow Dementia Strategy a pathway for those affected by dementia has been devised from start to finish this structure is: • Information and speaking to a general practitioner • Early diagnosis • Link worker support • Carers support • Safe at home and community connected with person centred support • Access to coordinated support • Suitable care and hospital settings • Access to planned end of life care This pathway is devised to allow services and help for people to be available before they are needed, as dementia affects those diagnosed, carers and their families, therefore, multi agency cooperation is required (Glasgow Dementia Strategy, 2016). This cooperation between the civil agencies of Glasgow City Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde along with the non government organisation of Alzheimer Scotland means that the partnership must be successful in order to complete the strategies aims. Huxham (2005) stated that in order for a successful partnership there must be the similarity of goals through shared language and culture. Also, the structure of collaboration and understanding the differing roles of agencies must be recognised and trusted. Moving project forward As this project is running for three years the aim is ensure that this project is successful by ensuring that the entire process is problem focused and that collaborations between the disciplines are beneficial for the patient (Petri, 2010). That all relevant parties have inter-professional education and awareness of each other parties role in the process (Baker, 2010). Also there must be clear communication between the stakeholders and invested partners in the process, in order to build the relationships and strengthen the cooperation dialogue (Thompson, 2009). There must be deliberate action and support for all involved as interdisciplinary collaboration must be beneficial not only for the patient but also the organizations involved (Petri, 2010). What this evidence shows is that for this strategies aims to be fully realised all parties must communicate clearly and work together as a effective team. Furthermore, the understanding of different agencies roles leads to a more efficient transition for the client’s pathway and support. The utilisation of this policy should be examined and evaluated by the use of evidence based practice (Sanderson, 2002); in order to gain a clear understanding of what is working.
This framework offers good practice for the whole community to be involved and also on an individual level to ensure those affected gain the support and healthcare needed (Glasgow Dementia Strategy, 2016). This evaluation will require thoughts from all stakeholders involved as to what may not be working in order to be resolved. As the policy is based on the healthcare pathway there must be fluid transitions between the partners involved for the policy to meet its strategic aims. In particular regard to the fact that the policy ends in 2019 there must be a plan for moving this project beyond the 2019 end date. In respect of the policy being updated and funding for future strategies to help alleviate the burden of those affected by
dementia. For moving the project forward beyond the end date of 2019 funding must be considered as Glasgow council and NHS are government funded which possibly could be diminished at a later time. Also, Alzheimer Scotland being a non government organisation relies on public funding which cannot always be guaranteed. Further stakeholders and funding options will need to be explored such as the Scottish government on a national level in moving this project out to other local council areas and collaborating with other non government organisations that are involved with dementia and similar maladies. Securing funding for a longer term should be paramount for this pilot program to adjust the policy for the benefit for those affected by dementia. In moving this framework forward has two main priorities, firstly, to amend policy for beneficial outcomes and secondly to secure long term funding to keep the policy in place and in working process. This is to show how Glasgow can be a great place to live for those affected by dementia (Glasgow Dementia Strategy, 2016).
In most facilities an initiative lifestyle has been organized to give people with dementia a voice in how and where they are cared for (White). This is how things should be everywhere in the world when it comes to people with dementia. People affected by this disease don’t need people to tell them what to do or make decisions for them, they need the freedom to do it themselves so they don’t give up. Although incapacity is common, many persons with dementia are capable of making their own medical and research decisions (Kim, Karlawish, and Caine). At the early stages of dementia, a will needs to be made so medical wishes can be granted. When people are given the freedom of choice, they are much happier, they live longer, and they have a better attitude about the disease they are suffering from. Individuals that get dementia did not get it by choice, but they live through it day by day with strength and the ability to live
The aim of the agency is to develop knowledge and skills to cater the residents and ensure they enjoy their life at the aged care. Furthermore, the agency aims to enhance local expertise in mental and physical health care, improve care through training and foster a collaboration with academics, researchers, institutions, volunteers, therapists, doctors and other health care professionals.
Due to an ageing population , The Francis Report recommends the introduction of a new status of nurse, the “registered older persons nurse”. One of the illnesses linked in with this is dementia, and multiple factors relating to dementia are having an impact on how nurses are trained and their deliverance of services. In 2013, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) began a new development program to transform dementia care for hospitals. There aim is to develop skills and knowledge related to dementia, the roles of all those who are involved, understanding the development of action plans that identify key changes.
The Scottish Government [TSG] (2005). National Care Standards - support services (revised march 2005) [PDF] available at The Scottish Government website; scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/239525/0066023.pdf
Rosvik, J., Brooker, D., Mjorud, M. & Kirkevold, O., 2013. What is person-centred care in dementia? Clinical reviews into practice: the development of the VIPS practice model, pp. 155-163, viewed 30 January 2014, < http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.utas.edu.au/docview/1326128887>
Judy Ryan and Eileen Carey (june 2009). Developing person-centred planning in dementia care. Learning Disability Practice, 12(5), 24-28.
The fundamental of policymaking consists of a lengthy time process that goes through many steps in becoming a Bill. The process of policymaking is introduced in the beginning step of the Policy Formulation Phase, as the problem goes through a Legislation it goes into the Policy Implementation Phase, which than forms into a law or vetoed. Many policies do not become a Bill’s, but the certain ones that do they achieve the goal to guide the society with immense decision making and balanced outcomes.
Changes in the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 emphasised that people with learning difficulties should be helped and supported to become ‘integrated in to the community’ rather than being institutionalised. This aim has been partially successful with the help of care assessments. This gives the service user the opportunity to speak out with confidence stating what they feel is the right type of support for them, at the end of this process the service user will ‘have their own individual care plan’ documenting all that has been discussed and the support they will be receiving. (http://pb.rcpsych.org/content/24/10/368.full).
Alzheimer’s Society publish the report on Dementia and how many people are affected in UK
Dementia is a pertinent public health issue in Australia. Whilst there are various types of Dementia, they all significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. The consequences of Dementia extend to carers and family and this, together with increasing prevalence, inconclusive and probable preventive measures and absence of a cure, indicates the need for further research, to enable Australia to combat the significant public health issue that is Dementia.
Dementia is common among a large population of elderly people. The disease affects not only the individual diagnosed, but also the caregivers that work towards making their life comfortable in the end. Understanding and learning about the disease is crucial in helping those that experience or live with someone who has dementia. The services and support that are currently in affect for elderly people with dementia and the caregivers is poor, and ineffective because of the lack of research and information on the topic.
The human brain is extraordinary organ. It stores our memories, vision, hearing, speech, and capable of executing executive higher reasoning and functions setting us apart from animals. Today we know more about the human brain because of medical advances and the development of technology. These brain disorders have been studied for years and many others would classify dementia as a mental illness because it causes cognitive impairments. The following paragraphs will discuss what dementia is, what the types of dementia are, perspectives of patients with dementia as well as the perspective of a caregiver to a dementia patient.
A study in 1997 points out that in the UK between 38-57% of people, in long-term care, have a moderate to severe form of dementia (Elliot et al 1999). Most recent information shows that in the UK almost 800,000 people are affected by dementia, which translates into a financial burden costing £23 billion a year to the economy. It is also predicted that by 2040, the number of people affected by the disease is expected to double (Alzheimer's Society Dementia Report 2012)
Ferri et al. (2006), 4.6 million people throughout the world are diagnosed with dementia every year, and the number of people in Europe suffering from dementia will increase to 13 million in 2040; and Wimo et al. (2003) estimates that approximately 63 million worldwide will suffer from this illness by 2030. This has crucial implications since it is an illness that is often associated with long-term care (LTC) in its later stages. However, while long-term care is an important consideration, the quality of life and how people with dementia cope with the illness are also of much concern but unfortunately less dealt into. Dementia can undermine a person’s self-worth and esteem, and affects most aspects of daily living (Preston, Marshall, & Bucks, 2007) affecting one’s quality of life (QOF).
It is important to include and identify stakeholders in the policy development process. By doing so, the stakeholder ca...