“It’s that gut feeling isn’t it”: general practitioner experiences of safeguarding in care homes for older people

Purpose General practitioners (GPs) play an important role in adult safeguarding. However, their experiences of this role have received scant attention in the UK and internationally. This study aimed to explore their experiences of safeguarding within care homes (CHs) for older adults where, as they are among the practitioner groups most frequently visiting, they are well-positioned to contribute to bringing abuse and neglect to light. Design/methodology/approach This study involved qualitative methods. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 12 GPs to explore their experiences of safeguarding in CHs. This included the issues that prompted their concerns, actions taken in response, difficulties and dilemmas experienced, CH safeguarding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was undertaken, taking an inductive approach to the analysis. Findings GPs seldom witnessed what they considered clear signs of abuse/neglect, but instead more frequently observed “softer”, more ambiguous signs. They undertook a range of actions in response to these, in addition to formally reporting concerns. They experienced difficulties and dilemmas in respect of the hidden nature of abuse, uncertainty about the legitimacy of their concerns and thresholds for reporting, as well as dilemmas associated with the need to preserve essential working relationships with CHs, yet avoiding collusion with staff. Originality/value Although GPs play an important role in identifying signs of abuse/neglect, this role has been little explored to date. Their safeguarding role within CHs has been especially neglected, and the authors are aware of no other studies that have explored GPs’ roles and experiences in this context, within or outwith the UK.