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Background <p>Population ageing is associated with an increasing prevalence of frailty, representing a major public health challenge due to its association with decreased independence, higher morbidity, increased hospitalizations and institutionalization, and premature mortality. Frailty is understood as a multidimensional phenomenon encompassing physical, mental and social components. However, the mental dimension remains insufficiently addressed in primary care practice.</p> Objective <p>This scoping review aims to analyze existing research on the knowledge and skills of family physicians and pharmacists in recognizing mental frailty in older adults and to identify gaps and needs related to its management.</p> Methods <p>A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines, following the population–concept–context framework. A systematic search was performed across multiple databases, supplemented by a manual search of references. Publications in English and Slovenian from 2014 to 2024, with an additional relevant source from 2025, were included. Data were charted in a standardised table and analysed thematically.</p> Results <p>Twenty sources were included. Three main themes were identified: (i) understanding and recognition of mental frailty, (ii) addressing mental frailty in practice, and (iii) systemic barriers, challenges, and educational needs. Knowledge gaps exist among physicians and pharmacists in recognizing mental frailty. The findings revealed inconsistent terminology, variable definitions, and a lack of validated tools for identifying mental frailty in primary care. Relevant clinical competencies and educational approaches are poorly documented in the existing literature.</p> Conclusion <p>Early identification of mental frailty and the use of holistic, interdisciplinary approaches in primary care are essential. Systematic training of healthcare professionals and consistent integration of the biopsychosocial model are crucial to improve recognition and management of mental frailty in older adults.</p>

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Doctors’ and Pharmacists’ knowledge, skills, and perception of mental frailty in older adults: a scoping review

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月6日

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  • Branko Bregar,
  • Katarina Vatovec,
  • Marjeta Ferlan Istinič,
  • Petra Mikolič Brence,
  • Suzana Oreški,
  • Matej Vinko,
  • Tjaša Bertole

摘要

Background

Population ageing is associated with an increasing prevalence of frailty, representing a major public health challenge due to its association with decreased independence, higher morbidity, increased hospitalizations and institutionalization, and premature mortality. Frailty is understood as a multidimensional phenomenon encompassing physical, mental and social components. However, the mental dimension remains insufficiently addressed in primary care practice.

Objective

This scoping review aims to analyze existing research on the knowledge and skills of family physicians and pharmacists in recognizing mental frailty in older adults and to identify gaps and needs related to its management.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines, following the population–concept–context framework. A systematic search was performed across multiple databases, supplemented by a manual search of references. Publications in English and Slovenian from 2014 to 2024, with an additional relevant source from 2025, were included. Data were charted in a standardised table and analysed thematically.

Results

Twenty sources were included. Three main themes were identified: (i) understanding and recognition of mental frailty, (ii) addressing mental frailty in practice, and (iii) systemic barriers, challenges, and educational needs. Knowledge gaps exist among physicians and pharmacists in recognizing mental frailty. The findings revealed inconsistent terminology, variable definitions, and a lack of validated tools for identifying mental frailty in primary care. Relevant clinical competencies and educational approaches are poorly documented in the existing literature.

Conclusion

Early identification of mental frailty and the use of holistic, interdisciplinary approaches in primary care are essential. Systematic training of healthcare professionals and consistent integration of the biopsychosocial model are crucial to improve recognition and management of mental frailty in older adults.