[Step 1 screening: experimentation in Occitania with nurses and pharmacists]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Primary Care Medicine
• Public Health Initiatives

Background:

• The Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) program aims to improve health outcomes for aging populations.
• Primary care settings are crucial for early identification of health needs in older adults.
• The Step 1 tool serves as the primary entry point for accessing ICOPE program services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the integration of the Step 1 screening tool into primary care practices.
• To evaluate the role of nurses and pharmacists in deploying the ICOPE program.
• To report on the implementation of Step 1 screening in the Occitania region.

Main Methods:

• The Step 1 tool was promoted as the principal screening method for the ICOPE program.
• Nurses and pharmacists in Occitania were invited to adopt the Step 1 tool in their daily practice.
• Optional, free webinar training was provided to participating healthcare professionals.

Main Results:

• The Step 1 tool is the main pathway for patient entry into the ICOPE program.
• Primary care professionals are central to the initial screening process for older individuals.
• Nurses and pharmacists in Occitania were engaged in integrating the Step 1 tool.

Conclusions:

• The Step 1 tool is fundamental for accessing the ICOPE program.
• Primary care professionals play a vital role in the early detection and management of older adults' health.
• Training initiatives support the adoption of screening tools by healthcare providers.