Authors:	Wangler, Julian Jansky, Michael
Title:	What requirements do primary care physicians have with regard to dementia diagnostics and dementia care? : A survey study among general practitioners in Germany 2022/2023
Online publication date:	8-Jan-2024
Year of first publication:	2023
Language:	english
Abstract:	Background General practice offers good conditions to detect and provide care for dementia-related diseases. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of dementia care in general practice is repeatedly criticised. To date, few studies have attempted to form a comprehensive picture of the status quo of dementia care in general practice that focuses on GP perspectives of experience and action. The aim of this study was to identify potential strengths and weaknesses of GP-based dementia care, by means of combined consideration of relevant care and treatment dimensions (construct of ‘dementia sensitivity’). Methods Through an online poll, a total of 4,511 GPs who are active as treatment providers in Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland were surveyed between September 2022 and January 2023. In addition to the descriptive analysis, a T-test with independent samples was used to identify significant differences between two groups (interval-scaled or metric variables). Pearson’s chi-squared test (χ2) was used to analyze the percentage values. Two levels of significance were tested for (mean difference at p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). In the course of the analysis, there were particular differences with regard to the sociodemographic variables ‘urban vs. rural doctors’ and ‘doctors with geriatric training vs. doctors with no geriatric training’. Therefore, a complete listing of these parameters is given in the tables. In addition, the factor analysis method was employed. Results The respondents consider it important for GPs to provide care and support for dementia patients. The doctors express the desire to offer active support to patients and their family caregivers. At the same time, many GPs experience challenges and difficulties when it comes to practical diagnostic steps (in line with guidelines), the (early) identification of dementia and consistent disease management, including the anticipation of care and treatment needs. Moreover, it appears that a significant proportion of the sample has only limited confidence when it comes to review relevant help and support services. One consistent finding is that some doctors in urban practices who also have geriatric training show substantial increases in knowledge and information with regard to dementia care. Conclusions In the light of the findings, it seems particularly advisable to strengthen the geriatric competence of GPs. Moreover, it seems to be essential to ensure that they are better informed about cooperation and support structures in the area of dementia care and better integrated into these.
DDC:	610 Medizin 610 Medical sciences
Institution:	Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Department:	FB 04 Medizin
Place:	Mainz
ROR:	https://ror.org/023b0x485
DOI:	http://doi.org/10.25358/openscience-9835
Version:	Published version
Publication type:	Zeitschriftenaufsatz
License:	CC BY
Information on rights of use:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Journal:	Archives of public health 81
Pages or article number:	155
Publisher:	Archives
Publisher place:	Bruxelles
Issue date:	2023
ISSN:	2049-3258
Publisher DOI:	10.1186/s13690-023-01174-4
Appears in collections:	DFG-491381577-G