Older Patients' Understanding of Medical Information in the Emergency Department

Abstract

This exploratory study examined older patients' and families' understanding of medical information provided in the emergency department. Semistructured inter- views were conducted with 71 older patients and 32 family members in the emergency department of a suburban teaching hospital. The majority of patients and family members had an incomplete understanding of medical information. Although patients expressed a desire for complete information, most did not voice complaints about their current experience. The majority of family members expressed a desire for more information or greater access to the patient. These data suggest that older patients and families do not adequately understand information provided in the emergency depart- ment. Future research must identify the source of communication problems.