The shared decision making of older adults in healthcare
ISSN: 1366-3666
Article publication date: 8 January 2019
Issue publication date: 23 May 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The research question is: what are older adults’ experiences of shared decision making (SDM) in a healthcare setting? This involved exploring older adults’ experiences and opinions of decision making in a healthcare setting, and understanding what SDM means to older adults. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative study using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with adults over 65 years was conducted. Thematic analysis was used.
Findings
Three broad themes were identified which ascribed roles to individuals involved in decision making. This includes the way in which older adults felt they should be involved actively: by asking questions and knowing their own body. The doctors’ role was described as assistive by facilitating discussion, giving options and advice. The role of the family was also explored; older adults felt the family could impact on their decisions in both a direct and indirect way. There was some confusion about what constituted a decision.
Research limitations/implications
This was a small qualitative study in a market town in England.
Practical implications
Clinicians should facilitate the involvement of older adults in SDM and consider how they can increase awareness of this. They should also involve the family in decision making.
Originality/value
There are limited studies which look at this issue in depth.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Federica Lucivero supervised this dissertation and Anthea Tinker was the author’s personal tutor.
Citation
Pusey, E., Tinker, A. and Lucivero, F. (2019), "The shared decision making of older adults in healthcare", Working with Older People, Vol. 23 No. 2, pp. 77-86. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-11-2018-0023
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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