title: Help-seeking preferences in the area of mild cognitive impairment: comparing family physicians and the lay public.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild neurocognitive disorder is a well-established clinical entity included in current diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer's disease and in major psychiatric classifications. In all, a loosely defined concern obtained from conceptually different sources (the individual, a knowledgeable informant, or a clinician) regarding a decline in cognition and change in functioning constitutes a sine qua non for initiating diagnostics and providing therapy and support. This concern in practice may translate into complex proactive help-seeking behavior. A better understanding of help-seeking preferences is required in order to promote early detection and management.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare help-seeking preferences of family physicians and the lay public in the area of MCI.
  
  
  METHODS
  A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 197 family physicians (self-administered) and 517 persons aged 45 and over from the lay public (face to face). Information regarding familiarity with MCI and help-seeking preferences was assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The vast majority in both samples reported that family physician, spouse, and children are the most highly recommended sources of help-seeking. In regard to professional sources of help-seeking, a higher percentage of the physicians than the lay public sample consistently recommended seeking help from nurses and social workers and psychiatrists, but a higher percentage of the lay public recommended turning to a neurologist for help.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There were both similarities and differences between family physicians and the lay public in their preferences regarding help-seeking for a person with MCI. Most prominent is the physicians' greater tendency to recommend professional sources of help-seeking.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Understanding of help-seeking preferences of both physicians and lay persons might help overcome barriers for establishing diagnosis, receiving care, and improving communication between doctors and patients.
authors.affiliation: Center for the Research and Study of Aging, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: Perla
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Werner
authors.affiliation: Margoletz Psychogeriatric Center, Ichilov Hospital, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Jeremia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Heinik
authors.affiliation: Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Shmuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Giveon
authors.affiliation: Center for the Research and Study of Aging, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
authors.forename: Dikla
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Segel-Karpas
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Leumit Health Services, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Eliezer
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kitai
mesh_terms: D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010815:Physician Impairment / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: barriers; doctors; lay persons; patients
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