Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) are common among older adults. While current research has extensively focused on patient-related aspects, studies concerning general practitioners' knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) in this regard remain limited.

This study aimed to investigate general practitioners' KAP regarding polypharmacy and PIM in older adults in urban Beijing, and to provide references for improving medication management in this population.

Employing a convenient sampling approach, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among general practitioners with independent prescribing authority in urban Beijing in August 2022. Electronic questionnaires were distributed through WeChat-based platforms targeting primary care practitioners. After screening, 150 respondents from 85 community health service centers were included in the final analysis. Participants were evaluated on their KAP related to polypharmacy and PIM in older adults. Scores for each domain were converted to a percentage system (calculated as actual score divided by total possible score × 100) and were categorized into two groups based on the conventional pass criterion of 60 points: ≥60 and <60.

Among the 150 general practitioners, the knowledge scores regarding polypharmacy and PIM in the elderly were below 60 in 140 participants and as 60 or above in 10. In terms of medication attitudes, 142 scored as or above 60 and 8 scored under 60. Regarding prescribing behaviors, 115 scored as or above 60 and 35 scored under 60. The scoring distribution (≥60 and <60) for knowledge or medication attitudes showed no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) when being compared among participants in terms of age, gender, education level, professional title, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner or Medical Doctor (MD) position, years of practice, or participation in medication training. For the scoring distribution (≥60 and <60) for prescribing behaviors, no significant differences (P>0.05) were found among participants regarding gender, education level, professional title, type of clinical practice (TCM or MD), or training attendance. However, significant differences (P<0.05) in scoring distribution (≥60 and <60) were identified among participants in terms of age and years of practice.

General practitioners in urban community settings demonstrate positive attitudes toward the management of polypharmacy and PIM among elderly patients. However, their knowledge remains inadequate, and prescribing behaviors show potential for improvement. There is hence a compelling need to enhance their continuing medical education focused on geriatric pharmacotherapy. Furthermore, efforts should be made to strengthen the management of PIM and to provide medication-related education for older adults. These measures are expected to facilitate the management of polypharmacy and PIM in the aging population.