In June 2001, Michigan launched an initiative to disseminate best dementia care practices to primary care physicians throughout Michigan. Using a snowball technique, 100 primary care physicians (PCPs) were identified through community agencies as leaders in dementia care in Michigan. At the first meeting, December, 2001, 32 physicians identified barriers to effective dementia care and developed strategies to overcome the barriers. These strategies, and the leadership of several opinion leaders, continue to define the educational activities of the burgeoning Network of PCP Leaders in Dementia. Since the first meeting in 2001, physicians in the network have met three times to learn about innovative national models for physician education and strategies by which they can adapt these models to Michigan.

Outcomes of the ongoing collaboration among PCP members include:

• An educational module on dementia has been designed and presented by network physicians and health educators at several statewide primary care physician meetings.

• A survey conducted to identify and describe dementia assessment services in Michigan. Survey results will be used to strengthen and link these services across the state.

• A key recommendation in the State of Michigan Dementia Plan is the promotion of best dementia care practices in primary care. The plan serves as a guide for priorities for the Michigan Dementia Coalition, legislators, and other dementia stakeholders for the next three to five years.

• Opinion leaders submitted a grant to improve the quality of dementia care delivered by all providers in Michigan through the training of PCP Network Leaders.


For more information about the PCP Dementia Leaders Network, please contact:

Larry Lawhorne, MD, Chair
Director, Geriatric Education Center of Michigan
(517) 353-0851
lawhorne@msu.edu

Micki Horst, MA, Coordinator
Senior Community Health Consultant
(517) 324-7318
mhorst@mphi.org