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Influences on general practitioner referral to allied health professionals for fall prevention in primary care
Author(s) -
Liddle Jeannine,
Clemson Lindy,
Mackenzie Lynette,
Lovarini Meryl,
Tan Amy,
Pit Sabrina W.,
Roberts Chris,
Tiedemann Anne,
Sherrington Cathie,
Willis Karen
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12680
Subject(s) - referral , global positioning system , primary care , health professionals , medicine , nursing , general practice , qualitative research , psychology , family medicine , health care , medical education , computer science , telecommunications , social science , sociology , economics , economic growth
Objective To explore influences on referral for fall prevention from general practitioners (GPs) to allied health professionals (AHPs) to better equip AHPs engage with GPs regarding fall prevention. Methods Qualitative, semi‐structured interviews with GPs (n = 24), practice nurses (n = 3) and AHPs (n = 15) and field notes were analysed inductively using constant comparative methods. Results Three main themes regarding influences on GP referral to AHPs for fall prevention were identified as follows: GPs' knowledge of AHPs; The “reliable and good” AHP; and Patient feedback‐Patient choice. Three‐way communication and trust between GP, patient and AHP underpinned each of these themes. Conclusions Strategies for encouraging GP referral include AHPs personally contacting GPs to explain their services; writing to GPs about every patient seen; and being aware that interprofessional relationships are based on trust and take time to develop. GPs and AHPs are encouraged to communicate directly rather than relying on patients to convey verbal information.