Open AccessImproving Communications With Patients and Families in Geriatric Care. The How, When, and What
Author(s) -
Shirley Huang,
Alden L.R. Morgan,
Vanessa Peck,
Lara Khoury
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of patient experience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2374-3743
pISSN - 2374-3735
DOI - 10.1177/23743735211034047
Subject(s) - telephone interview , scale (ratio) , health care , nursing , family medicine , medicine , family caregivers , psychology , health communication , telephone survey , social science , physics , business , communication , quantum mechanics , marketing , sociology , economics , economic growth
There has been little published literature examining the unique communication challenges older adults pose for health care providers. Using an explanatory mixed-methods design, this study explored patients’ and their family/caregivers’ experiences communicating with health care providers on a Canadian tertiary care, inpatient Geriatric unit between March and September 2018. In part 1, the modified patient–health care provider communication scale was used and responses scored using a 5-point scale. In part 2, one-on-one telephone interviews were conducted and responses transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed. Thirteen patients and 7 family/caregivers completed part 1. Both groups scored items pertaining to adequacy of information sharing and involvement in decision-making in the lowest 25th percentile. Two patients and 4 family/caregivers participated in telephone interviews in part 2. Interview transcript analysis resulted in key themes that fit into the “How, When, and What” framework outlining the aspects of communication most important to the participants. Patients and family/caregivers identified strategic use of written information and predischarge family meetings as potentially valuable tools to improve communication and shared decision-making.