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.