A rapid review exploring nurse-led memory clinics

Abstract

Aims: To systematically explore the structures, functions, outcomes, roles and nursing credentials of memory clinics where nurses autonomously lead diagnosis and postdiagnostic care. Design: A systematic rapid review was conducted. Data sources: MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL Full-Text (EBSCO) and EMBASE were systematically searched in December 2019 with no timeframe limitations imposed. Review Methods: The modified PRISMA checklist was used as a guide to facilitate the review. Articles identified were screened and assessed for inclusion criteria, and screening of reference lists of included studies was also completed. Results: Six articles, published between 2011–2019, including two case studies, two descriptive reports, one qualitative study and one programme evaluation were included in the review. Nurse-led memory clinics were situated in community centres, on university campuses, hospitals and in general practitioners' offices. The services offered included assessment, diagnosis and treatment/postdiagnostic care. Nurse credentials included advanced practice nurses and a community psychiatric nurse who was a non-medical prescriber. Overall, there was low quantity and quality of evidence to evaluate outcomes.