Patient perceptions of health information dissemination among older adults

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework

No conceptual or theoretical framework was clearly identified. However, the authors do focus on patient-centered care within an evidence-based practice framework.

Research/Study Design

The research design is described as being descriptive and is therefore phenomenological. The authors use a focus group model, and operationalize the definition of the term focus group. A focus group for the purposes of this study is defined as a small group and has as its objective the "acquisition of information based on perceptions, beliefs, traditions, and values of its participants," (Heinrich & Karner, n.d., p. 31). Focus groups are one of the most commonly used study designs in qualitative research in health care (Gill, Stewart, Treasure & Chadwick, 2008). Furthermore, the focus group was selected for this qualitative research design because it permitted 'interaction and discussion" among the participants, leading to "rich data related to the learning needs of older adults living in community settings," (Heinrich & Karner, n.d., p. 31). Questions related to reflections on how health care providers offered information, and how the participants acquire information about health issues on their own.

Sampling Techniques

Criteria for participation included being aged 60 or older, able to live independently but living in a senior community, and speaking English. To obtain the sample, fliers were placed in two county-subsidized senior living apartment complexes. Fourteen persons responded to the flier and were able to participate fully in the focus group meetings as well as the information sessions leading up to the focus groups.

Ethical Issues

Permission had to be obtained from the Area Agency on Aging, in order to place the fliers to obtain the sample. All participants were given informed consent, offered a brief description of the study before they agreed to participate. Similarly, the information sessions prior to the study provided an opportunity for providing additional background information about the study. Therefore, participants were well informed before commencing the research. However, anonymity and privacy were not necessarily protected.

Limitations/Implications

There are several limitations of the study, including its small sample size and lack of diversity of the sample. This makes it difficult if not impossible to generalize the results. At the same time, this is exploratory research and it can help future researchers design a more robust study to analyze patient perceptions of health information dissemination.

Future research should focus on how to improve elder access to information both from health care providers and also from autonomous sources of information including web sites. Health care providers can learn from this research how to improve their communication skills, as several barriers to understanding health information were indicated.