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Applying community-oriented primary care methods in British general practice: a case study
- Authors:
- ILIFFE Steve, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of General Practice, 52(481), August 2002, pp.646-651.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of General Practitioners
Health assessments for older people have become an increasing priority with the NSF for Older People. In response to low level of activity in primary care around health assessment for older people, Camden and Islington Health Authority initiated a project in 1996-97 to develop innovative primary care for older people. This article reports on the study which was conducted in four general practices. Results found all four practices identified problems needing attention in the older population, developed different projects focused on particular needs among older people, and tested them in practice. Patient and public involvement were central to the design and implementation process in only one practice. Innovations were sustained in only one practice, but some were adopted by primary care group and others extended to a wider group of practices by the health authority.
Health risk appraisal in older people 2: the implications for clinicians and commissioners of social isolation risk in older people
- Authors:
- ILIFFE Steve, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of General Practice, 57(537), April 2007, pp.277-282.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of General Practitioners
This study aimed to explore the significance of social isolation in the older population for GPs and for service commissioners. Secondary analysis of baseline data from a randomised controlled trial of health risk appraisal. The study used secondary analysis of baseline data from a randomised controlled trial of health risk appraisal. Participants were a total of 2641 community-dwelling, non-disabled people aged 65 years and over in suburban London. Analysis included demographic details, social network and risk for social isolation based on the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale, measures of depressed mood, memory problems, numbers of chronic conditions, medication use, functional ability, self-reported use of medical services. The results found more than 15% of the older age group were at risk of social isolation, and this risk increased with advancing age. In bivariate analyses risk of social isolation was associated with older age, education up to 16 years only, depressed mood and impaired memory, perceived fair or poor health, perceived difficulty with both basic and instrumental activities of daily living, diminishing functional ability, and fear of falling. Despite poorer health status, those at risk of social isolation did not appear to make greater use of medical services, nor were they at greater risk of hospital admission. Half of those who scored as at risk of social isolation lived with others. Multivariate analysis showed significant independent associations between risk of social isolation and depressed mood and living alone, and weak associations with male sex, impaired memory and perceived poor health. The risk of social isolation is elevated in older men, older persons who live alone, persons with mood or cognitive problems, but is not associated with greater use of services. These findings would not support population screening for individuals at risk of social isolation with a view to averting service use by timely intervention. Awareness of social isolation should trigger further assessment, and consideration of interventions to alleviate social isolation, treat depression or ameliorate cognitive impairment.