Objective: To assess the confidence of GPs in assessing physical, psychological and social functioning in the elderly and managing complex multi-systems in cooperation with other services and resources in the community.
Method: One hundred and ninety general practitioners in the Fairfield and Liverpool municipalities were mailed a self-administered anonymous questionnaire which assessed their confidence and barriers to caring for the elderly.
Results: One hundred and six general practitioners responded (response rate 55%) with complete questionnaires. Most felt confident in identifying the physical and psychological problems but few felt confident in identifying social problems. Common barriers were patient factors such as reluctance to acknowledge problems, and lack of time. They were equally confident in diagnosing and managing most specific conditions but less so for dementia, depression and functional limitation. While general practitioners rated liaison with geriatricians and primary care services highly, aged care assessment teams were perceived to be poor communicators.
Conclusions: Although most general practitioners felt confident about their general management of their elderly patients, many felt less confident in identifying social problems. More education needs to be provided in 'shared care' of dementia, functional limitations, depression and incontinence.