A Pilot Study of the Impact of NHS Patient Transportation on Older People with Dementia

A pilot study using a mixed methodology was used to evaluate the effects of travelling on NHS Patient Transport
Service ambulances on the experience of patients with dementia. The study assessed the feasibility of using Dementia CareMapping
in this setting and looked at the effects of the presence of designated staff teams on journeys, compared to journeys without such
designated staff. Method. Dementia CareMapping was used to observe and record participants’ behaviour, mood, and engagement
during their outward and return journeys to NHS hospital sites. Observations were analysed for themes relating to the effects of
travelling on PTS across the two groups. Results and Conclusions. Participant’s observed mood scores did not differ significantly
across the two groups but the range of behaviours recorded on the escorted group journeys did and were reflective of formal care
environments. The findings from this study highlight the importance of trained escorts on NHS PTS ambulances for people with
dementia and provide important information regarding further research in this area.