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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Risk of harm from drinking is heightened in later life, due to age-related sensitivities to alcohol. Primary care services have a key role in supporting older people to make healthier decisions about alcohol.
AIM: To examine primary care practitioners' perceptions of factors that promote and challenge their work to support older people in alcohol risk-reduction. DESIGN AND SETTING: Qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews and focus groups with primary care practitioners in Northern England.
METHOD: Thirty-five practitioners (general practitioners, practice/district nurses, pharmacists, dentists, social care practitioners, domiciliary carers) participated in eight interviews and five focus groups. Data were analysed thematically, applying principles of constant comparison.
RESULTS: Practitioners highlighted particular sensitivities amongst older people to discussing alcohol, and reservations about older people's resistance to making changes in old age; given drinking practices could be established, and promote socialisation and emotional wellbeing in later life. Age-related health issues increased older people's contact with practitioners; but management of older people's long-term conditions was prioritised over discussion of alcohol. Dedicated time to address alcohol in routine consultations with older people, and training in alcohol intervention facilitated practitioners; particularly pharmacists and practice nurses.
CONCLUSION: There are clear opportunities to support older people in primary care to make healthier decisions about alcohol. Dedicated time to address alcohol, training in identification of alcohol-related risks, particularly those associated with old age; and tailored interventions for older people, feasible to implement in practice settings, would support primary care practitioners to address older people's alcohol use.
Language: en |