Barriers and enablers to implementing early intervention initiatives for healthy ageing in Australian primary care: A qualitative study

With Australia’s ageing population, primary care is pivotal in providing evidence-based proactive management of ageing-related chronic conditions. This study aimed to explore the barriers and enablers to the implementation of healthy ageing initiatives in primary care. A qualitative study involving group interviews (n=6) and individual interviews (n=4) was conducted with 21 primary care staff in South Australia. Data were analysed thematically and then mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Four barriers and two enablers were identified across the five CFIR domains. Barriers included the following: Medicare Benefits Schedule is insufficient; burden on the primary care workforce; challenges in expanding networks with allied health professionals and patient motivation for early intervention for healthy ageing. Enablers included the following: access to proactive primary care and evolving multidisciplinary teams in primary care. Implementation strategies need to target policy, practice and individuals to increase the uptake of early intervention initiatives for healthy ageing in Australian primary care. This includes addressing multilevel barriers such as funding limitations, workforce burden and patient readiness to engage in proactive care. The model for early intervention in healthy ageing should be guided by policies that enable sustainability in general practice, support multidisciplinary team care, and improve patients’ access to proactive care. ACTRN12623000939695 Registration Date: 31/08/2023.