Advanced practitioners working with older people in primary care and community settings: a cross-sectional, web-based survey of roles and use of technology

Abstract

Background: Advanced practitioner roles are becoming increasingly common in primary care and community settings for supporting older people and those living with frailty. Aim and methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was used understand health and social work advanced practitioner roles in primary care and community settings in the UK for supporting older people and factors that may impact on their use of technology in practice. Results: We had 111 respondents. There were different views as to whether technology was suitable for older people. Although digital exclusion was a concern, it was perceived that this would change in the future as generations become more digitally literate. Respondents suggested that using technology brought about efficiencies and the ability to respond sooner to symptom changes with some concerns about the accuracy of technology that may miss signs and symptoms. Conclusion: This is the first national survey to explore advanced practice roles with older people in non-hospital settings. Advanced practitioners have wide ranging skills but currently few use technology in their practice. Findings will inform a future study on digitally enhanced Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment.