In safe hands: a qualitative study on older adults’ experiences of a tailored primary health care unit

Abstract

Objective: Today’s health care system faces challenges in meeting the needs of older people with multimorbidity. To better cope with these needs, tailored primary health care with geriatric competence and person-centred care has been suggested. The aim of this study was to explore older patients’ experiences of a tailored primary health care unit. Design: This was a qualitative study using semi-structured individual interviews and qualitative content analysis. Setting and patients: Nineteen patients were recruited from a tailored PHC unit for people aged 75 years or older in a region in central Sweden. Methods: The interview data were analysed using inductive category development. Results: In the analysis, the theme In safe hands when in need of primary health care emerged. The interviewees expressed a desire to participate in their own care. Easy access, enough consultation time and a calm environment, along with the PHC professionals’ welcoming and attentive approach enhanced their feeling of being in safe hands. PHC professionals were perceived as having geriatric knowledge and taking responsibility for the care of older patients. Although the interviewees experienced that they received attention for their health conditions, a need for a more preventive approach to care emerged. Conclusion: Older patients highly appreciated their tailored PHC unit and they emphasised that it was an improvement compared to the ordinary PHC centre. This study provides insights into older patients’ experiences, which may be helpful in the ongoing process of improving care for older patients in PHC. KEY POINTS Older patients attending a tailored Primary health care (PHC) unit felt acknowledged, unlike in the ordinary PHC centre, which facilitated their participation in their care. The calm environment, specialist geriatric competence and ample patient contact time enabled them to feel secure and taken care of. Older patients expressed a need for an incorporation of social services and health promotion visits at the tailored PHC unit.