Nutrition screening of older adults in general practice settings: knowledge, attitude and practice of health professionals Aliza Hamirudin (PhD Candidate) has now completed the data collection for Phase one of this IHMRI funded study. She conducted in-depth interviews with a total of 27 staff at three general practices – Shellharbour Medical Centre, Culburra Beach General Practice and Junction Street Family Practice. Thank you to all who were involved in the planning and conduct of this important study.

Analysis of the typed interview transcripts is in progress. While time has been identified as a major barrier by both doctors and practice nurses, there appears to be widespread support for the incorporation of nutrition screening instruments into the annual Medicare-funded 75+ health assessment. More than half of the participants said they would like to receive training on how to conduct nutrition screening in a systematic way. An ethics application is currently being developed for Phase two, which aims to assess the impact of a short training session and a resource kit in these general practice settings.

Regards,

Karen Walton