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Enhancing Cognitive Assessment Documentation in EHR for Improved Dementia Diagnosis

Enhancing Cognitive Assessment Documentation in EHR for Improved Dementia Diagnosis

Introduction

The recent research article titled "Cognitive measures lacking in EHR prior to dementia or Alzheimer's disease diagnosis" by Maserejian et al. highlights a significant gap in the documentation of cognitive measures in electronic health records (EHR) before the diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease (AD). This gap poses challenges for timely diagnosis and quality care. As practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology and related healthcare professions, understanding and addressing these gaps can significantly enhance patient outcomes.

Key Findings from the Research

The study analyzed U.S. EHR data and found that only 11% of dementia patients and 24% of AD patients had a cognitive measure documented in the five years prior to diagnosis. Factors such as Black race, older age, non-commercial health insurance, and lower neighborhood income were associated with a lack of cognitive measures. This indicates that disparities in healthcare access and documentation exist, potentially affecting the quality of care and research.

Implications for Practitioners

For practitioners, these findings underscore the importance of implementing structured cognitive assessments and ensuring their documentation in EHRs. Here are some actionable steps:

Encouraging Further Research

While the study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research to explore the reasons behind the lack of cognitive data in EHRs. Understanding whether this is due to tests not being conducted, results not being entered, or EHR system limitations can guide interventions. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or support research initiatives that aim to improve cognitive assessment documentation and address healthcare disparities.

Conclusion

Improving the documentation of cognitive measures in EHRs is crucial for timely dementia diagnosis and quality care. By addressing the gaps identified in the research, practitioners can contribute to better patient outcomes and advance the field of dementia care. For those interested in delving deeper into the study, the original research paper can be accessed through this link: Cognitive measures lacking in EHR prior to dementia or Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.


Citation: Maserejian, N., Krzywy, H., Eaton, S., & Galvin, J. E. (2021). Cognitive measures lacking in EHR prior to dementia or Alzheimer's disease diagnosis. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 17(7), 1231–1243. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12280
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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