Patient experiences of cognitive assessment for suspected dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The journey from uncertainty to certainty and back again: An exploratory study of patient experiences of being assessed for suspected Dementia, using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
IRAS ID
151706
Contact name
Chantel Robinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Of East Anglia
Research summary
This study aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of people's experiences of undergoing a cognitive assessment for suspected dementia: how people make sense of, adapt and cope with being assessed. It is important to understand this, as maladaptive coping has been associated with heightened distress and can be detrimental to psychological wellbeing. Currently little is known about the impact of being assessed for suspected dementia. This study will use a qualitative methodology based on phenomenological principles to examine patient experiences of cognitive assessment for suspected dementia. Patients will be interviewed once (using a semi-structured interview lasting approximately 45 minutes) after they have completed their assessment and received feedback. Individuals will be recruited via local NHS services. In gaining an insight into how people manage this process it is hoped that this information may be used to inform provision of clinical services that better meet patient needs.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EE/1130
Date of REC Opinion
20 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion