Collaborative Care Models of Primary Care Clinics for People with Early-Stage Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Primary Care Physicians in Japan

Objectives: This study explored collaboration models between primary care physicians (PCPs) and care managers (CMs) and assessed each model’s potential in meeting the support needs of individuals with early-stage dementia.

Methods: In 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among the PCPs in Tokyo. The data regarding the participant and clinic characteristics and daily practices for individuals with early-stage dementia were collected. The clinical collaborative practice was classified using a latent class analysis; comparisons were made between the identified classes based on 14 items in seven domains of support.

Results: Two collaborative and one stand-alone models were identified. The former varied in the professionals’ roles, with one led by PCPs and the other by CMs. We named them PCP-led, CM-led, and stand-alone models, accounting for 46.4%, 32.8%, and 20.6% of the clinics, respectively. The PCP-led clinics were significantly more likely to provide support than the stand-alone ones across five domains: cognitive function, care planning, carers’ support, information, and social health. The CM-led model clinics generally fell between those of the other two models.

Conclusion: Different leadership styles exist in the PCP-CM collaborations in care delivery for people with early-stage dementia. This collaboration offers distinct advantages for clinics in addressing their needs.