Table 2.

Suggestions by carers for service developments

Information Provision of information in the second consultation: avoiding too much at initial diagnosis but ensuring it provided at any early stage. Providing information about what medicines are for, side effects, what to look out for Routine communication of important information to the carer, as well as the care-recipient, especially if the carer cannot be at consultation, e.g. when medicines or regimens are changed.

GPs: access and communication GPs to be more accessible for carers, e.g. recognition by surgery staff of role of carers and being prepared to talk to them. Timing of consultations that accommodate carer's competing commitments, especially for carers who work Clear and accessible systems for contact by telephone or e-mail More training for GPs in communicating with people with memory problems Simplified systems for ordering prescriptions, e.g. computers that recognise when new prescription is due.

Pharmacists and potential roles Pharmacists could assist in ensuring medicines refills are timely Pharmacists can be good source of advice, but consistency between pharmacies in quality of services needs to be addressed.