Linking survey data with computerised records to predict consulting by older people

[摘要] Despite high consultation rates, little is known about predictors of primary care use by older people. A survey of patients aged ≥65 years from two London practices included details on physical health and functioning, psychological measures, social support, and socioeconomic measures. The response rate was 75% (1704/2276). We obtained consent to link the survey data to subjects' computerised primary care records for 92% (1565/1704) of responders. Individual factors (physical ill health, anxiety, female sex), social factors (frequent telephone contact with friends or family), and practice factors independently predicted consultation in the year post survey. Although physical ill health was the most important, the other factors had independent effects and may be useful in understanding the increase in consulting by older people.

[学科分类] 卫生学

[关键词] health services for the aged;medical record linkage;primary care;surveys