Master’s courses on better dementia care for family physicians, a challenging option for GPs !
Amit GIBORI, Hanny YESHUA and Yael GILERMAN
As the number of patients with dementia is increasing, better awareness on how to treat them best is important.I participated in a 60 ECTS, web-based learning in Karolinska Institutet Stockholm for 2 years.. It includes : cognitive and emotional functions of the brain; behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia; the process for a suspicion of dementia; treatment, rehabilitation methods and palliative care. You have access to the tremendous library and to all journals related to dementia. As the physicians applying are from various countries and different medical working organizations, it allows a larger view on different care systems for people with dementia over Europe and farther. Strength of the course is the great flexibility in time to take part and the regular interactivity in the web online sessions ; limitations are a good fluent English needed , the necessary time-consuming amount for active participation and the high fees.The innovative aspect is that this course can be done from home and allows you whenever to study, to write, but some hours are fixed for online exchanges. This master’s degree is run every year since more than 8 years. The examination consists of evaluation during the different courses ( individual or group works assigned and noted) and all participants must report on one specific topic related to their work for people with dementia and this has to be presented orally in the institution. After graduation, all GPs receive the title : “Silvia Doctor” and you are encouraged to continue in your country to promote the best medical treatment and care options.The fruitful contact with colleagues from other countries and the exchange in experiences is stimulating . Myself am dealing now mainly with dementia and palliation and we have established medico-ethical consultations for the end of life.Other countries have similar certifications and as GPs are visiting doctors in nursing homes for people with dementia, this can be an added value to become the medical coordinator.I have still now contact with colleagues and we see us often in international congresses on this important and increasing topic.
