Podiatrists' knowledge of ageing and attitudes towards older people

Abstract

This research ventured to investigate from medical, social, and psychological dimensions Podiatrists' knowledge as regards ageing, together with attitudes cherished towards older people. The study was divided into two interlinked approaches. The initial part was the statistical analysis of the questionnaires presented to all Podiatrists practicing at the National Health Services. An insightful evaluation of their respective knowledge and attitudes by the adoption of the appropriate tools was systematically undertaken. At a later stage, this was followed by the interviews carried out with Podiatrists regarding their perceptions in relation to older people. Throughout the final stage or this research, older adults making use of the Podiatry services were interviewed, specifically regarding their subjective perspectives. These were directly linked to their particular satisfaction with the respective Podiatric services. Throughout the initial stage of the statistical analyses, results were not found to be significant, in view of the small sample size. This represented an underlying limitation. Although the scores were not significant, however indications of relationships were apparent. A highlight which emerged in view of the marked lack of Geriatric training, both at undergraduate and inservice course levels is that, the overall knowledge of ageing as well as the attitudes sustained by Maltese Podiatrists was on the whole positive. The researcher observes a marked statistical indication on the part of young Podiatrists of a lower score level as regards knowledge of ageing, together with their respective overall attitudes. The interviewees strongly indicated that there was a critical lack of understanding as regards the meaning of old age. The interviews enacted with older adults making use of Podiatric services were highly insightful in view of service satisfaction levels granted by their respective Podiatrists. The latter reflected positive overall responses. Finally, it is appropriate that within the formal education process delivered to Podiatrists, a pivotal priority is to erase negative stereotypes in a comprehensive manner. It is prudent to stress that holistic education in this respect, facilitates the self- realisation of Podiatrists, together with a more reciprocal healthy socialisation process with older people. These outcomes are fully indicative that there is sufficient space, for further development in the foreseeable future.