The following is a summary of “Supporting family carers in general practice: a scoping review of clinical guidelines and recommendations,” published in the November 2023 issue of Primary Care by Cronin, et al.
The surge in family carers within community settings poses challenges to their well-being, necessitating support from General Practitioners (GPs) who serve a central role in community-based care. This scoping review, employing Arksey & O’Malley’s framework, sought to explore available clinical guidelines aiding GPs in their interactions with family carers, addressing a significant literature gap.
Conducted between September and November 2020, the multidisciplinary review team meticulously searched ten databases and grey literature, identifying 4,651 papers, of which 35 met inclusion criteria. Categorized into 10 GP resource-focused papers, 20 research papers, 3 reviews, 1 quality markers framework, and 1 editorial, data synthesis revealed that 90% of the guidelines included elements related to carer identification, assessment, and signposting. The optimal approach advocated for a comprehensive practice strategy involving GPs, staff, and supportive documentation. However, knowledge gaps have yet to emerge in clinical assessment and evidence-based signposting pathways.
This review is a vital synthesis of current evidence on GP guidelines for supporting family carers, emphasizing identification, assessment, and referral strategies. While illuminating existing knowledge, the study underscores the imperative for increased transparency in the evidence base. It highlights the need for further research to assess the effectiveness and routine utilization of clinical guidelines in primary care.
Source: bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-023-02188-1
