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The elderly as underconsulters: a critical reappraisal
Summary
Underconsultation among the elderly is likely exaggerated, based on new data comparing self-reported illness to actual consultations. This finding impacts healthcare screening strategies for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Public Health
- Healthcare Utilization
Background:
- Previous studies suggested significant underconsultation for illness among the elderly population.
- Evidence relied heavily on unreported illness data, potentially overestimating the issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reassess the extent of underconsultation among elderly individuals.
- To present new data on the relationship between self-reported illness and healthcare consultations in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Reanalysis of existing evidence on unreported illness in the elderly.
- Analysis of new data concerning the ratio of self-reported illness to the number of consultations.
Main Results:
- The study concludes that the degree of underconsultation among the elderly is likely exaggerated.
- New data indicates a different perspective on healthcare-seeking behavior in older adults.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest current screening and case-finding strategies for the elderly may need revision.
- Recommendations include a combined approach of self-referral and multi-tiered screening, targeting low-contact and high-risk groups.