A Phenomenological Qualitative Study: Family Physicians Experiences of Consulting Older Adults

Abstract

Objective: Due to the aging population, older adult health became important. Family physicians play an important role in the health of older adults. This study aims to identify the challenges family physicians experience in counselling older adults. Method: A qualitative, phenomenological methodology was used. Authors conducted three semi-structured focus group interviews with 22 family physicians. The recorded interviews were transcribed, and thematic analysis was applied. Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.68 ± 8.37. The mean professional years of the participating physicians were 8.77±8.26 years. Seven of the participants were women and fifteen were men. Three themes emerged: (1) patient-related factors, (2) physician-related factors, and (3) physician remedies. Conclusion: There are positive and negative aspects to consulting older adults. Understanding the difficulties experienced can facilitate the solution. Physicians stated that there was no geriatrics training both in their medical school undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum. They also stated that they found themselves inadequate in this regard and that creates anxiety. Effective communication is important both physically and emotionally during the interview. In fact, communication and active listening skills can be taught and postgraduate training in geriatrics can be organized.