BMC Geriatrics
Volume 8
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Abstract (provisional)
Background
Older persons represent a growing share of the population, yet very little is known about their specific health care needs, problems, and expectations. IMPROVE is an international research project that seeks to improve elderly persons involvement in their health care. This paper analyzes perceptions of patient involvement by elderly patients and their GPs in family medicine in Slovenia.
Methodology: Semi-structured interviews with patients over 70 and their GPs were audio-taped and transcribed. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.
Results
Specific characteristics of old age must be taken into account in the involvement of older patients. It is important to know the patients expectations and to communicate clearly with the patient. A trusting relationship between the GP and the patient is a prerequisite for involvement. GPs center involvement on the GPs side. Involvement of the elderly is linked to ethical dilemmas.
Conclusion
Understanding the involvement of the elderly focuses more on building a relationship than on making decisions. It is reasonable to educate GPs and GPs coworkers about caring relationships. Ethical aspects have often been treated in a theoretical manner, whereas empirical practice may be entirely different from theoretical premises. GPs and older patients must learn more about how to address their ethical dilemmas.
The complete article is available as a provisional PDF. The fully formatted PDF and HTML versions are in production.
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