“Cognitive Spark” Opportunistic Screening of Cognitive Impairment of the Elderly
Care Continuum
Care Process & Redesign
AIC Community Care Excellence Awards
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2020
To improve the opportunistic screening rate for cognitive impairment in elderly patients aged 65 and above within Yishun. Cognitive screening improves early detection, enabling timely interventions and better care planning for at-risk patients.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Care Continuum, Care Process ＆ Redesign, Chronic Care, Intermediate and Long Term Care ＆ Community Care, Inpatient Care, Preventive Care, Mental Health
About this Content
Aims
To improve the opportunistic screening rate for cognitive impairment in elderly patients aged 65 and above within Yishun Community Hospital
Background
There was a low baseline screening rate of 20% for cognitive impairment in elderly patients admitted to Yishun Community Hospital. The aim was to increase this rate to 80%.
Methods
Implemented cognitive screening using tools such as the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in two pilot wards and later expanded to a hip fracture ward | The team also trained nurses and doctors to conduct these screenings and evaluate patients for further interventions
Results
From the baseline data, screening rates increased significantly across all wards, with 80% of patients receiving cognitive screenings | Improved compliance with screening, clearer team collaboration, and better knowledge of cognitive impairment among staff | The project achieved its goal of increasing screening rates and providing a better quality of care to elderly patients by integrating cognitive screenings into routine care | Early diagnosis of cognitive impairment, healthcare staff training, multi-disciplinary team approach | Cognitive Screening, Dementia, Early Detection, AMT, MMSE, Elder Care, Healthcare Training | Dr Aye Khine Thwin, Dr Dianne Salumbides
Conclusion
Cognitive screening improves early detection, enabling timely interventions and better care planning for at-risk patients.
Lessons Learnt
ayekhine.thwin@yishunhospital.com.sg, dianne.salumbides@yishunhospital.com.sg
Additional Information
Awarded AIC Community Care Excellence Award 2020
Keywords
Cognitive Screening, Dementia Care, PDSA, Community Hospital
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Yishun Community Hospital |
Platform(s) | AIC Community Care Excellence Awards |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health, Healthcare Administration, Nursing |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Geriatric Medicine, Psychology, Neurology |
Project Lead(s) | Aye Khine Thwin, Dianne Salumbides |
Project Member(s) | Angela Lim Siok Ching |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr. Aye Khine Thwin - thwin.aye.khine@yishunhospital.com.sg
Dr. Dianne Salumbides - salumbides.dianne@yishunhospital.com.sg