As the Older Adult Senior Educator (dementia specific) for Nottingham Undergraduate Medical Students, Tracey recruits and supports ‘Patient & Carer Experts’ who have lived experience in dementia.  The aim of this group is to assist in developing the medical students through educating them about how it feels to live with a dementia diagnosis. They will learn what impacts on the carer and person living with dementia through the sharing of patient & carer knowledge and personal experiences.

In the format of this pilot, the medical student will ask the Expert questions during an online interview (which is due to be moved to a face to face meeting when covid restrictions allow) with the aim being that they would develop their communication skills, self-awareness, understanding and knowledge of dementia, empathy and compassion from a humanistic perspective (understanding how it feels for the patient & carer) without purely focussing on diagnosis or treatment options.

These sessions are in accordance with the ‘Patient or Carer Expert’s’ availability, and there is no pressure with regards to attendance or commitment.

Tide (together in dementia everyday) also supports the pilot, they currently have 4 current and former carers, 3 TAG (tide Advisory Group) members and 2 staff members assisting on the project. This is a pilot project but if it is successful, it is hoped that it could be rolled out across the country.  If you are interested in taking part, you can email sarah@tidecarers.org.uk for more information or visit the tide website.