Older Adult and Family Caregiver Perspectives on Engagement in Primary Care

J Gerontol Nurs. 2022 Nov;48(11):7-13. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20221003-02. Epub 2022 Nov 1.

Abstract

The purpose of the current in-depth qualitative study was to explore the experiences of older adults and family caregivers in primary care. Twenty patients and caregivers from six Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) practices' Patient and Family Advisory Councils within a large academic health system participated in telephone interviews from December 2018 to May 2019. Participants were mostly women (60%), with an average age of 71 years and nine chronic conditions. Transcripts were coded using conventional content analysis. Two key themes emerged related to person-centered care (PCC): Engagement in Health Care and Patient-Provider Relationship. Engagement in health care was defined by participants as: being proactive, centering on patient goals in treatment discussions, adherence, and self-triaging. Approximately all participants discussed the importance of the relationship and interactions with their provider as influencing their engagement. The identified themes offer recommendations for further improvement of primary PCC. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(11), 7-13.].

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Caregivers*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Primary Health Care
  • Qualitative Research
  • Self Care*