Date of Award

2023

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Ryane Lester, MPAS, PA-C

Abstract

Background: Individuals living with dementia deserve affordable, accessible, and effective healthcare. These patients often face barriers that make it difficult to consistently access traditional in office primary care. Home-based primary care (HBPC) holds the opportunity to bridge the gap between individuals with dementia and preventative healthcare resources.

Purpose: Dementia rates are increasing as the population ages, and additional research is needed to determine the optimal treatment model for individuals with dementia. This literature review evaluates if patients with dementia receive improved care with HBPC vs in office primary care through examining cost, medication use and compliance, and patient satisfaction.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted usingPubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect using the search terms “home-based primary care,” “dementia,” “homebound,” “standard of care,” “primary care,” and “medication”. Virtual interviews were conducted with two physician assistants who work in HBPC settings.

Conclusions: HBPC can offer benefits to patients, caregivers, and healthcare systems through decrease in costs, increase in medication compliance, and increase in patient satisfaction. Adequate funding and resources are required for these advantages to occur. Each patient’s specific situation needs to be considered before choosing HBPC, and more research needs to be conducted in order to further optimize the HBPC model.

Identifier

SC 11.PAS.2023.OLeary.M

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