Table 3 Five factors that contribute to the complexity of cases with older patients
From: Disentangling the concept of “the complex older patient” in general practice: a qualitative study
Factor | Theme |
|---|---|
Not being “in charge” | No oversight on care delivered |
Lack of an efficient registration system | |
Professional care is suboptimal | |
Different views on necessary care | Patient declines treatment |
Family members of the patient pressure the GP | |
Encountering the boundaries of medicine | GPs doubt the benefits of treatment |
Symptoms cannot be resolved. | |
Limits to providing social care | No informal care system |
Not enough time | |
Not enough information on available social support options | |
Ill-equipped | Not enough knowledge on specific diseases |
No professional support for GP [referral options, support of specialised nurses] |