Most Doctors In Europe Concerned About How They Will Be Treated When They Are Old

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Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 09 Jan 2012 - 9:00 PST

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A new study from the Economist Intelligence Unit on healthcare provision for an aging population showed that the overwhelming majority of surveyed health professionals (81%) is concerned about the way they will be treated when they grow old, and remain skeptical whether current policies to address demographic shift caused by an aging population are realistic, comprehensive or sufficiently funded to cope with future demand.

However, the future does not look entirely bleak; Even though 49% of respondents argued that aging threatens the viability of their country's national health care systems, 50% of respondents look at it as an opportunity for broader health care reforms, which are overdue anyway.

The research seems particularly appropriate in Ireland with a growing older population; people are living longer of medical advancements, and even though this is positive news, it translates into a burden on the Irish healthcare system.

The Pfizer Health Index states that in the previous year 81% of Irish people over the age of 65 years have suffered from a listed condition, such as high or low blood pressure, arthritis and heart disease amongst others, accounting for 24% of all hospital admissions for operations or procedures.

"This research underlines the need for everyone involved in healthcare to put preparedness for aging at the center of their planning for the future. Healthcare professionals are delivering a clear message that prioritizing the right investments now - in preventive health, training and service integration - can put us in a position to manage the transition to an older society sustainably and cost-effectively. But these are some of the very activities most under threat from austerity," declared David Gallagher, Country Lead, Pfizer Healthcare Ireland.

The report 'A new vision for old age: Rethinking health policy for Europe's ageing society', is based on responses from over 1,000 healthcare professionals across Europe and interviews with 22 international experts on ageing. It concludes that there is an urgent requirement to rethink how healthcare is provided to older people.

The EUI research examines the key challenges and opportunities presented by the aging of societies in Europe, together with some of the steps countries may take in response, with key findings including:

• Placing more importance on better integration of health and social care. - Just 38% of respondents feel their country is good at this.
• To focus on preventive healthcare is a smarter investment; it is likely to lower the prevalence of chronic illness, which increases, as people get older. - According to the survey 46% of medical professionals stated as a main recommendation that governments should prioritize to make individuals responsible for their own health.
• Negative attitudes towards older people need to be challenged. - Attitude of the healthcare staff is a major barrier towards providing better care for the elderly according to 42% of respondents. Over one-half of respondents also state that complaints of older patients' tend to be less likely given full attention compared with complaints made by younger people.
• Medical training should focus on the future healthcare needs of ageing populations to tackle chronic disease more efficiently. - Whilst 27% of respondents view a shortage of primary care workers as one of the main challenges that their healthcare systems faces, 20% feel the same applies to secondary care workers. At the moment, the training of health professionals is not geared to the evolving needs of healthcare systems, especially integrated care required by elderly patients with more than one chronic condition.

The report's recommendations highlight particular strategies, which could be adopted by policymakers to help ensure that the ageing population is managed in a maintainable way:

• Population interventions to maintain good health should be applied more widespread given that they can raise a healthy life expectancy and delay the onset of disability and chronic disease.
• The introduction and uptake of innovative technologies like remote monitoring, telemedicine and new therapies, which require fewer visits by doctors', should be promoted to assist older people in remaining independent for longer. The key lies in managing chronic disease centers that are able in assisting affected individuals to live healthy, independent lives within the community.
• Health and social care providers should be encouraged to provide integrated patient-centered care, enabling patients to remain healthier.
• All healthcare professionals should receive specialized educational training in the needs of older people.
• Increasing retirement ages and more flexible working patterns could assist in raising workforce participation and keep people healthier as they work longer.

Neelie Kroes, the Vice-President of the European Commission, declared:

"We see population ageing as being not only a challenge but a formidable opportunity for innovation and growth in Europe as it forces us to adopt new models such as for health and social care and to invest in technologies, tools and skills to help older people stay healthy and active members of society."

Managing Editor at the EIU, Iain Scott concluded:

"Europe as a whole is wrestling with the challenges of an ageing population. What is clear from our research is that healthcare professionals lack confidence in current policies to such an extent that they fear for their own future care as they age. This report reveals the fundamental steps that healthcare professionals believe will lead to an improved future not just for older people but for society as a whole."

Written by Petra Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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