Rachel C Ambagtsheer1, Mandy M Archibald2, Michael Lawless3, David Mills4, Solomon Yu5, Justin J Beilby6. 1. (Hons), MInfSt, Research Fellow and PhD Candidate, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA; NHMRC CRE for Trans-Disciplinary Frailty Research to Achieve Healthy Ageing, Adelaide, SA. rambagtsheer@laureate.net.au. 2. BScN, PhD, CIHR Research Fellow, NHMRC Postdoctoral Research Officer, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA; NHMRC CRE for Trans-Disciplinary Frailty Research to Achieve Healthy Ageing, Adelaide, SA. 3. BPsych (Hons), PhD, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA; NHMRC CRE for Trans-Disciplinary Frailty Research to@Achieve Healthy Ageing, Adelaide, SA. 4. MD, FRACGP, Adjunct Associate Professor, Adelaide Rural Clinical School, University of Adelaide, SA. 5. PhD, FRACP, MBBS, Clinical Deputy Director, Aged and Extended Care Services, Central Adelaide Local Health Network and Clinical Associate Professor, Adelaide Geriatrics Training and Research with Aged Care (GTRAC) Centre, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, SA; NHMRC CRE for Trans-Disciplinary Frailty Research to Achieve Healthy Ageing, Adelaide, SA. 6. MBBS, FRACGP, MD, MPH, DA DRCOG, Vice-Chancellor, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA; NHMRC CRE for Trans-Disciplinary Frailty Research to Achieve Healthy Ageing, Adelaide, SA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: General practitioners (GPs) are uniquely positioned to support frailty identification and management. However, awareness of frailty and its treatment remains an emergent concept for many. Consequently, our aim was to explore GPs' perceptions, attitudes and experiences of frailty and frailty screening. METHOD: A qualitative focus group study was conducted with 22 South Australian GPs. GPs were recruited through a combination of purposive, convenience and snowball sampling. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: GPs saw frailty as a cycle of worsening decline punctuated by experience of negative outcomes. Participants largely felt that they already knew who their frail patients were without the need for formal screening. Consequently, there was varied support for formal screening, largely dependent on its intended purpose. Few GPs had actively intervened to prevent the onset or progression of frailty, with most strategies aimed at stabilisation and management. DISCUSSION: This study suggests that Australian GPs may be open to a proactive approach to frailty assessment and treatment, given appropriate training and resources.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: General practitioners (GPs) are uniquely positioned to support frailty identification and management. However, awareness of frailty and its treatment remains an emergent concept for many. Consequently, our aim was to explore GPs' perceptions, attitudes and experiences of frailty and frailty screening. METHOD: A qualitative focus group study was conducted with 22 South Australian GPs. GPs were recruited through a combination of purposive, convenience and snowball sampling. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: GPs saw frailty as a cycle of worsening decline punctuated by experience of negative outcomes. Participants largely felt that they already knew who their frail patients were without the need for formal screening. Consequently, there was varied support for formal screening, largely dependent on its intended purpose. Few GPs had actively intervened to prevent the onset or progression of frailty, with most strategies aimed at stabilisation and management. DISCUSSION: This study suggests that Australian GPs may be open to a proactive approach to frailty assessment and treatment, given appropriate training and resources.