Contemporary Themes: Sociomedical Study of Patients over 75 in General Practice

In a survey of people of 75 years and over in a general practice situated in the north-west of England a total of 297 patients was examined. Among the many previously unreported medical conditions and social needs were seven unknown malignant conditions, 28 patients with heart failure, five with diabetes, and one with myxoedema. A high incidence of nutritional anaemia was also found. It is concluded that such a survey can detect much hidden illness and disability and that general practice is the right setting for it.