Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of General Physicians towards Mild Cognitive Impairment amidst an evolving era of Interprofessional Collaboration: Insights from a small-scale survey in India.

Background: Early identification and intervention of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), led by General Physicians (GPs), can delay dementia onset and enhance patient outcomes. GPs recognize MCI risk factors, conduct assessments, and manage associated conditions, playing a crucial role in cognitive pathology intervention, especially in the era of Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC). In India, where cognitive impairment rates are projected to rise sharply, understanding GPs' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is vital. This study aimed to investigate the KAP of GPs regarding the diagnosis and treatment of MCI using a customized, predesigned questionnaire.

Method: The study employed a cross-sectional design using a convenience sample of 180 invited participants between July and October 2023. A customized questionnaire, based on Lu et al., 2022, evaluated GPs' KAP regarding MCI and IPC in the Indian context towards its assessment and management. The tool including 9 knowledge items, 15 attitude items, and 12 practice items, was made available through Google Forms and disseminated via WhatsApp. Responses were scored to indicate KAP levels, with maximum scores being 50 for knowledge, 75 for attitudes, and 60 for practices.

Results: 103 GPs completed the survey, showing varied practice experience. The average knowledge score was 28.1 ± 7.98, indicating uncertainty about MCI-related factors and diagnostic criteria. Attitude scores averaged 53.5 ± 4.73, with most GPs endorsing early detection and non-pharmacological interventions. Practice scores averaged 41.8 ± 8.32, showing mixed adherence to screening and referral practices. Most participants found IPC highly effective for MCI diagnosis and management, with many referring patients to specialists for confirmation, while over half used an IPC approach for both. Education level and previous experience significantly influenced knowledge and practice scores.

Conclusion: This study sheds light on the evolving landscape of Indian GPs' KAP related to MCI assessment and management. It identifies areas where understanding could be strengthened and highlight opportunities for growth through education and training. Notably, there is a need for increased involvement in IPC. These findings emphasize the importance of holistic approaches, advocating for enhanced education and the fostering of collaborative relationships across disciplines to tackle the rising prevalence of MCI in India effectively.