Physicians' Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices & Perceived Needs about Specialised Geriatric Healthcare

The geriatric population in India is projected to increase from 8% to a staggering 20% by 2050. The combination of a population boom along with advances in medicine resulting has resulted in an increase in life span, leaving India with a potential geriatric healthcare crisis in its hands.

A study in the Journal of the associations of Physicians of India investigated the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived needs of physicians towards specialized geriatric healthcare and assessed the views towards geriatric medicine as a career option among medical interns in India.

A cross-sectional study was conducted by, a web-based survey. Knowledge, attitudes, current practices, and perceived needs regarding specialized geriatric healthcare were the primary outcome measurements.

Insufficient knowledge (48.5% of professionals) regarding any specialized branch of geriatric healthcare was found. Only 9.0% of medical professionals performed 'Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment' and even the mean score was low. 96% of professionals and 92% of interns felt the need for specialized geriatric services throughout India with the majority feeling the need for specialized OPDs. 32.7% of Interns were willing to opt for post-graduation in Geriatrics. More than 85% of professionals and interns had affirmative attitudes towards the possible benefits of specialized healthcare.

So There is poor practice of specialized geriatric healthcare throughout India and also a high prevalence of perceived needs among professionals and interns regarding facilities like OPDs, wards, and departments.

Reference: Santosh Salagre, Amey Kundawar, Abhishek Ukarde "Physicians' Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Perceived Needs Regarding Specialised Geriatric Healthcare: A Nation-wide Survey in India", Volume issue: 70; JAPI.