Co-creating a model of care for a new multidisciplinary memory clinic in South Western Sydney

Aims: South Western Sydney has the highest projected rates of dementia in all of NSW. The prevalence of dementia in Camden, Campbelltown, Macquarie Fields, and Liverpool is forecast to increase by up to 460% by 2050. To address the current and future needs of the community, our team has been working to establish a new multidisciplinary memory clinic. To inform the model of care, we conducted a needs assessment to map the existing dementia services and identify gaps in service provision for people with dementia and their carers. Methods: We interviewed 20 GPs across SWSLHD/SWSPHN and conducted 3 community forums (Campbelltown, Camden, and Liverpool) involving 53 seniors and community representatives, and 32 community healthcare workers. Interviews and community forums were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded by thematic analysis using Quirkos. Results: Study participants felt they had a good knowledge of available dementia resources and services, but noted that these are fragmented and need to be easier to navigate for the patient/carer via a "one-stop-shop" or single point of contact. Participants described education (for GPs, patients, and carers), allied health support, legal assistance, and a key worker as the most important services a new memory clinic should be easily accessible and offer culturally sensitive services. Conclusion: Findings have been integrated into the design of the model of care, which will be finalised via a Delphi method-guided expert panel discussion. By co-creating the model of care, the memory clinic will cater holistically for the local region's needs.