Abstract
PURPOSE: To describe current practice in diagnosis and management of sarcopenia in older people in the United Kingdom (UK). METHODS: Healthcare professionals from UK organisations were invited to complete an online survey about sarcopenia diagnosis and management. RESULTS: One hundred and one responses were analysed. Respondents represented a range of professional groups across 62 organisations from secondary care, primary care, community providers and private practitioners. Sarcopenia was identified in only 32/62 (52%) organisations. Within these organisations, 17/32 (53%) did not use a recognised algorithm for diagnosis, although 31/32 (97%) of organisations assessed muscle strength. Twenty-nine (91%) organisations reported offering interventions to people diagnosed with sarcopenia, but resistance training was offered by only 19 (59%). CONCLUSION: This survey has shown that just over 50% of respondent organisations in the UK are identifying sarcopenia in older people as part of clinical practice, highlighting the need for ongoing work to achieve further improvement.