Improving interprofessional practice for vulnerable older people: gaining a better understanding of vulnerability

Abstract

A key focus for professionals working with older people in the community is on those who are vulnerable, although this vulnerability is not well defined. This study sought the views of health and social care professionals and older people on vulnerability, identifying significant differences between professional and older people’s perspectives. It found that for older people, vulnerability is an emotional response to being in a specific situation, whereas for professionals, the vulnerability of those on their case loads relates to them having certain or a combination of characteristics (physical, psychological and social). The paper concludes that interprofessional care for older people in the community could be improved firstly by asking older people if they ever feel vulnerable and if so, in what situations and secondly by focusing team efforts on addressing the issues raised by older people in response to these questions.

Keywords:

• Vulnerable
• aged
• aged 80 and over
• interprofessional care
• community

Acknowledgements

Thanks go to all the older people and health and social care professionals who gave their time to participate in this study. Funding for the study was obtained from the Royal College of General Practitioners Scientific Foundation Board.

Declaration of interests

The authors report no conflicts interest. The authors are solely responsible for the contents of this paper.

Note

1. The identifier 8.1 shows that this person attended Focus Group 8 and was Participant 1.