In recent years, traditional hospital care models have come under scrutiny for failing to adequately meet the unique needs of older patients. As healthcare systems evolve, there is a noteworthy shift toward adopting age-friendly care (AFC) models, designed to address these gaps by focusing on involvement of older individuals in shaping the care they receive. This initiative emphasizes the need for healthcare practices that embrace active participation from seniors, thus ensuring that their preferences and desires are at the core of service delivery. However, the extent and impact of older persons’ participation in the development and implementation of these models remain major areas of exploration.
The Depth of Participation
To investigate this, researchers embarked on a comprehensive scoping review process adhering to the JBI methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. During the research, six prominent health science databases were explored to locate peer-reviewed articles detailing the participation of older adults in AFC model adoption within hospitals. The search yielded five unique studies, presented in six distinct articles, highlighting how older adults contribute largely at organizational levels through surveys, interviews, consultation, and less frequently, as members of expert panels.
Barriers and Facilitators
This review identified notable barriers and enablers affecting participation. Patient-related factors include physical limitations and cognitive impairments, while organizational factors cover systemic issues like institutional inertia and resource constraints. Understanding these nuances is critical to refining AFC adoption strategies.
Findings suggest:
– Older adults’ involvement primarily occurs during AFC implementation.
– Consultation remains a common form of participation, whereas expert panel involvement is less frequent.
– Both patient and institutional factors influence the degree of involvements.
Research affirms the challenges and opportunities present within the integration of older persons in AFC models. Despite efforts to enhance inclusivity, many AFC adoptions proceed without substantial input from those they aim to serve. It is essential for hospitals to cultivate environments where older adults feel empowered to voice their concerns and preferences, building services around these informed insights. Hospitals that succeed in this effort not only advance their AFC strategies but also set a benchmark for person-centered healthcare, ultimately leading to improved patient satisfaction and outcomes. As the field progresses, healthcare practitioners and policymakers must continuously adapt and evolve methodologies, ensuring that care models remain relevant and impactful in catering to the aging population. This evolution in participatory practices could redefine the dynamics of older adult care in hospitals, promising a more nuanced and responsive healthcare system.
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