Horlach T. M.

SUBSTANTIATION OF THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING FUNCTIONAL STATUS IMPAIRMENT SCREENING AMONG ELDERLY PEOPLE ACCORDING TO THE WHO ICOPE CONCEPT INTO PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PRACTICE

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About the author:

Horlach T. M.

Heading:

SOCIAL MEDICINE, ECONOMY AND HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION

Type of article:

Scientific article

Annotation:

Population ageing is accompanied by an increasing prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases, multimorbidity, and functional impairments, creating additional challenges for primary health care systems. One of the modern approaches aimed at preserving functional ability in older adults is the WHO Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) concept, which focuses on the early identification of declines in intrinsic capacity and prevention of loss of independence. However, successful implementation of ICOPE largely depends on the awareness, attitudes, and readiness of both health care professionals and patients to apply this approach in routine clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness, attitudes, and readiness of primary health care physicians and older patients regarding the implementation of functional status screening according to the WHO ICOPE concept, as well as to identify the main barriers and motivational factors influencing its integration into routine primary health care practice. A cross-sectional sociological and medical-statistical study using anonymous questionnaires was conducted. The study involved 125 primary health care physicians and 200 patients aged 60 years and older. The questionnaires assessed awareness of the ICOPE concept, attitudes toward regular functional screening, barriers to implementation, motivational factors, and readiness to follow preventive recommendations. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and analytical statistical methods with calculation of relative values, 95% confidence intervals, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, and the Mann–Whitney test. Statistical significance was accepted at p<0.05. An insufficient level of awareness regarding the WHO ICOPE concept was identified among both physicians and patients. Most physicians – 67.2% (84/125) – had not previously been familiar with the ICOPE concept, while 88.0% (110/125) had not received any specialized training in the use of this screening approach. Among patients, 92.0% (184/200) had never heard about ICOPE screening and had not previously undergone such assessment. Despite this, most physicians demonstrated a positive attitude toward the implementation of functional status screening into primary health care practice: 62.4% (78/125) supported screening among individuals aged 60 years and older, while 58.4% (73/125) considered it appropriate to extend screening to individuals aged 50–60 years. Positive attitudes toward regular screening among patients were observed in 32.0% (64/200) of respondents. The main motivational factors for patients included physician recommendation – 50.0% (100/200), free examination – 46.0% (92/200), and convenient access to services – 46.0% (92/200). Physicians most frequently identified lack of time – 52.8% (66/125) and insufficient human and material resources – 40.8% (51/125) as the main barriers to ICOPE implementation, whereas patients pointed to the remoteness of health care facilities – 44.0% (88/200) and insufficient awareness regarding screening – 30.0% (60/200). A statistically significant weak positive correlation was found between the number of motivational factors and positive patient attitudes toward regular screening (r=0.287; p<0.05). The study demonstrated a low level of awareness regarding the WHO ICOPE concept among both primary health care physicians and older patients. Nevertheless, most physicians supported the implementation of functional status screening into routine primary health care practice. The obtained results indicate the feasibility of integrating ICOPE into primary health care under conditions of adequate organizational, informational, and resource support, which may contribute to early detection of functional impairments, improved adherence to preventive measures, and preservation of functional independence in older adults.

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Bibliography:

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Publication of the article:

«Bulletin of problems biology and medicine», 2026 Issue 2, 181, 264-270 pages, index UDC 614.39:613.98:316.6

DOI:

10.29254/2077-4214-2026-2-181-264-270