Involving GPs in multidisciplinary case conferences for residents with advanced dementia ensures decision making about care is based on an understanding of clinical conditions and that care is provided in a planned and coordinated way, and that the GP, family and care staff are all in agreement about the goals of care and management needed to meet these.

Engaging GPs in case conferences - Professor Dimity Pond

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Ways to encourage and facilitate GP attendance include the following:

• Use evidence based clinical ‘triggers’ to bestow confidence that the case conference has been organised at a time most likely to enhance quality and safety of clinical care
• Provide support to GPs and general practice administrative staff in scheduling the case conference around GP availability
• Offer flexible ways for the GP to attend, including teleconference or video conferencing where necessary
• Clarify who will be chairing the case conference – the GP or someone else
• Remind them that an item number can be claimed for the case conference, approximately the same in value as an equivalent length consultation.

To ensure the GP can claim reimbursement for the case conference, there must be at least two other members not including the family who make different contributions to the conference. Further information for GPs is available including how to claim reimbursement for case conferences.

Resources are also available that can provide guidance to GPs on the clinical management of individuals with palliative care needs like those with advanced dementia.

Last updated 14 February 2019